ARMSTRONG,LOUIS / ELLINGTON,DUKE - Great Summit

The complete album + 2 bonus tracks - limited edition pressing on 180g vinyl, a Brian Morton 'Number One Essential' Recommendation. Armstrong and Duke Ellington together. Duke and Louis had known each other since the mid- twenties and were booked to play alternately on the same stage many times. However, their recorded collaborations prior to this album are truly scarce. This combo session here finds Louis playing Ellington compositions with Duke on piano and backed by Louis' own All Stars - minus, of course, the combo's regular pianist Billy Kyle. "The music resulting from this Bob Thiele (produce)inspired experiment is outstanding and utterly essential. This is one of the most intriguing confluences in all of recorded jazz. Armstrong blew his horn with authority and sang beautifully and robustly." - * AllMusic