Duke Ellington 1969 - All-Star White House Tribute (BN)

Recorded live at the White House, Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1969. Includes liner notes by Doug Ramsey.
Recorded at The White House on Duke Ellington's 70th birthday, when he was awarded the Medal Of Freedom by President Richard M. Nixon.

The definitive reading of Duke's extended work is offered here with more than half an hour's worth of alternate takes.
Highlights include Mahalia Jackson's moving delivery of "Come Sunday" and the "23rd Psalm".

This is the 4th volume of a 5 OOP CDs set, produced by Henri Renaud for CBS France, 1989.

This is the 3rd volume of a 5 OOP CDs set, produced by Henri Renaud for CBS France, 1989.

This is the 2nd volume of a 5 OOP CDs set, produced by Henri Renaud for CBS France, 1989.

This is the 1st volume of a 5 OOP CDs set, produced by Henri Renaud for CBS France, 1989.

"Portraits of Duke Ellington" is a phenomenal disc! This is jazz guitar of the highest order. The tone, the intellect, the soul, the technical proficiency, the elegance -it's all here. "Portraits of Duke Ellington" is one of those rare recordings that stands alone for active listening or can melt into the background when necessary. While 'Caravan' is perhaps my favorite song, it is the album's elegantly somber tone that most resonates. Given the seemingly little fanfare for this CD, it's an unappreciated gem. There are no unnecessary notes on this disc; when it comes to jazz guitar, this album is gilt-edged.