This collection compiles, for the first time on a single disc issue, all the master takes of the instrumental recordings in which Duke Ellington participated for Mercer Records between 1950 and 1951. Made under the names of other band members - for contractual reasons, these sides feature the likes of Johnny Hodges, Oscar Pettiford, Max Roach, Billy Strayhorn, Louie Bellson, Juan Tizol and Willie Smith. These sides remain among the most unusual and fascinating in Duke's extensive catalogue. Unfortunately, the masters for these recordings were destroyed in a fire in the 1950's. For this issue they have been transferred and restored from the best possible surviving sources and remastered to the best quality possible.

Tracklist:

Perdido
Take The "A" Train
Oscalypso
Blues For Blanton
Untitled Blues/Blues No. 3
The New Piano Roll Blues
Cotton Tail
C Jam Blues
Flamingo
Bang-Up Blues
Things Ain't What They Used To Be
Tonk
Johnny Come Lately
In A Blue Summer Garden
Great Times
Night Walk (Aka "Cat Walk")
Moonlight Fiesta
She
The Happening
Swamp Drum
Sultry Serenade
Indian Summer
Britt - And - Butter Blues
Caravan
Alternate
Hoppin' John
Jumping With Symphony Sid

UPC: 604988284225
Label: Jasmine Records
Release Date: 2.21.25
Format: CD

Duke Ellington - On Mercer - Great Times (Uk) (CD)