Ashby appeared on the scene as if by magic when Jimmy Hamilton retired from the Ellington Orchestra in 1968 - he was in his 40s and had been around for years but much of his early discography was with rhythm-and-blues bands. He went on his own after Duke's death and made European tours with all-star packages. This was his first session as leader for a US-based label, and he takes good advantage of the opportunity.
