In November, Mosaic Records will release Duke Ellington: The Complete 1936-1940 Variety, Vocalion and Okeh Small Group Sessions, a seven-disc set showcasing seminal small-group performances including previously un-issued gems such as “You’ll Never Go to Heaven” and “Echoes of Harlem.”
These small-group sessions were splintered from Ellington’s regular big band and led by such spectacular sidemen as Johnny Hodges, Barney Bigard, Cootie Williams and Rex Stewart. The seven discs are loaded with brilliant piano solos, a groundbreaking Ellington/Jimmie Blanton duet and over 40 songs that have heretofore only appeared on rare imports. To spread even more icing on the cake, preeminent Ellington collector Steve Lasker provided rare photographs and informative liner notes, in addition to remastering the recordings.
All recordings are available through Mosaic Records, 35 Melrose Place, Stamford, CT 06902. Please visit Mosaic’s Web site at mosaicrecords.com for more information.
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