His Classic Collaborations 1956-1963

Among the most legendary figures in all of jazz, pianist, arranger and bandleader Duke Ellington informed and guided the entire genre across some 60 years. With his unparalleled eloquence, charisma and inventiveness, he has been credited as instrumentally raising the status of jazz to high art while concurrently broadening it's appeal. One of jazz history's most prolific composers, having penned over 1000 pieces during his lifetime, the Duke was renowned too for nurturing the talents of many future jazz greats within his orchestras. To this end he rarely rested, even in his later years, a period during which he recorded some of his finest work, often in collaboration with other esteemed musicians. Duke Ellington kept up a consistent recording and performing schedule for the rest of his life, playing his final concert two months before his death on 24th May 1974 at the age of 75. He left behind a catalogue that has yet to be equalled, from which the selections featured on this four disc set have been drawn. Featuring eight original, remastered albums which the Duke made alongside an esteemed roll call of collaborators during the latter part of his career, this collection illustrates well why this master musician and performer continues to be held in such esteem.