This essential Ellington library features rare bonus tracks and new state-of-the-art mixes of some of the most enduring recordings in American jazz history. The initial Columbia album, 'Masterpieces By Ellington', found the maestro embracing the new technology, displaying grand arrangements of his popular anthems. Other visionary projects soon followed: 'Ellington Uptown', featuring the masterful composition like "A Tone Parallel To Harlem" and 'Blue Rose' with singer Rosemary Clooney and 'Black, Brown and Beige with majestic contributions from Mahalia Jackson. 'Such Sweet Thunder' is a masterpiece with Johnny Hodges at his voluptuous best. Ranging from ambitious themed projects to extended remakes of early classics, this collection emphasizes how restlessly wide-ranging the maestro was!
