The Great Summit: The Master Takes

Performer: Duke Ellington/Louis Armstrong
Artist: Trummy Young; Barney Bigard; Mort Herbert; Danny Barcelona
Engineer: Ray Hall
Producer: Bob Thiele; Michael Cuscuna (Reissue)
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: 2 LPs on 1 CD. Full performer name: Louis Armstrong/Duke Ellington. THE GREAT REUNION was recorded April 3, 1961. Includes liner notes by Stanley Dance. 2 LPs on 1 CD. THE GREAT SUMMIT: THE MASTER TAKES was originally released as THE COMPLETE LOUIS ARMSTRONG & DUKE ELLINGTON SESSIONS. Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Duke Ellington (piano); Trummy Young (trombone); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Mort Herbert (bass); Danny Barcelona (drums). Producer: Bob Thiele. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna. Recorded at RCA Studios, New York, New York on April 3 & 4, 1961. Includes liner notes by Dan Morgenstern. Digitally remastered by Ron McMaster using 24-bit technology. Disc 1 is the previously released THE COMPLETE LOUIS ARMSTRONG & DUKE ELLINGTON SESSIONS. Disc 2 is a bonus CD of conversations, false starts and outtakes from the same sessions. Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Duke Ellington (piano); Trummy Young (trombone); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Mort Herbert (bass); Danny Barcelona (drums). Producer: Bob Thiele. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscana. Recorded at RCA Studios, New York, New York on April 3 & 4, 1961. Includes liner notes by Dan Morgenstern. Digitally remastered by Ron McMaster. Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Trummy Young (trombone); Duke Ellington (piano); Danny Barcelona (drums). Audio Remasterer: Ron McMaster. Audio Remixer: Ron McMaster. Liner Note Author: Dan Morgenstern. Recording information: RCA Recording Studios, New York, NY (04/03/1961/04/04/1961). Photographer: Arnold Meyers. One of the most historic jazz records ever recorded, THE COMPLETE SESSIONS brings together, for the first and only time, the two most influential figures in jazz. Living up to the expectations placed upon such a meeting would, of course, be impossible, but this album is wonderful by any standard. The format is an interesting one in that basically Duke Ellington assumed Billy Kyle's piano chair in the 1961 version of Armstrong's All Stars band. Rather than performing Armstrong's usual repertoire, however, the two giants chose to record a selection of Ellington's best compositions. The resulting album allowed Duke to play some of his most sensitive, relaxed jazz piano on record and gave Satchmo a chance to stretch out on some unfamiliar material, which he does with his usual flair and inventiveness. High points include Armstrong's boisterous solos, amazing improvised scatting and extra lyrics on a high-energy version of "Cottontail" and Ellington's lean, supple lines on "Duke's Place." The seemingly infallible trombonist Trummy Young contributes swinging, bluesy solos throughout and clarinetist Barney Bigard plays with an air of sophistication that well suits the Ellington vibe. These are Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington's only recorded studio sessions working together. As the two men were arguably the most definitive improviser and bandleader/composer of the century respectively, that alone makes this collaboration of high interest. Originally released as two LPs on Roulette, "Together for the First Time" and "The Great Reunion of..." these sessions were well produced and well recorded the first time around. This two CD set brings together all 17 official cuts, and elegantly places all the outtakes, false starts, alternate takes, and session conversations on a second disc with its own set of liner notes. Historical significance aside, this is simply some really great music. Armstrong's singing is relaxed and full of humor and grit, and the small combo setting means we get to hear more of Ellington's piano than usual. The group is rounded out with members of Armstrong's band, and includes the reunion of Duke and his former employee, clarinetist Barney Bigard. Duke's repertoire brings out the best in Armstrong, and he returns the favor, casting even the most familiar of these tunes in a fresh light. An exceptional recording through and through.

Q (7/01, p.130) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Overall, it's a bluesy and upbeat set....but the band has no trouble getting mean and moody for the likes of 'Solitude'. Still wonderful..." JazzTimes (10/00, p.79) - "...Disc one provides the thrills, while disc two offers serious fans insights into the process of collaboration between the 2 most important jazz musicians of the 20th century."

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