Duke Ellington And Ella Fitzgerald - Live at the Greek Theatre, Los Angeles (1996)

This 1966 concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles features sets by Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, with the source evidently being a soundboard tape. His star soloists consistently shine, especially tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves in the flag-waver "Soul Call" and the ballad "In a Sentimental Mood" (the latter usually a feature for Johnny Hodges). Cootie Williams' brash trumpet is showcased in "Take the 'A' Train," while high-note specialist Cat Anderson squeals in his "Prowling Cat." The drums are a bit too prominent in the mix, the sound is a bit muddy in places, and the microphone does not always pick up the leader's spoken introductions clearly. Ellington's awkward solo introduction to his relatively new composition "La Plus Belle Africaine," where he seems to stumble a bit, is the only major musical flaw in his portion of the CD. Ella Fitzgerald's set is also enjoyable. Ellington's brass and reed sections join Ella's rhythm section (anchored by pianist Jimmy Jones) for a rousing "Sweet Georgia Brown." Her moving "Stardust" is prefaced by her hilarious comments about the effects of the heat on-stage. Her crowd-pleasing finale is the inevitable "Mack the Knife." With so many of these selections having been recorded by Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald on various other LPs and CDs, it is hard to call this English release an essential purchase, though hardcore jazz fans will want to track it down.