js The title, “The Intimate Ellington”, was the perfect choice for this collection of odd recordings left over from various sessions. Many of these songs are recorded with small and unique ensembles giving a very clear and unobstructed look at the music of Duke Ellington. Some of the very best cuts feature just Ellington on piano backed by bass and drums. Getting to hear Duke’s piano playing this clearly is a real treat. You can certainly hear the roots of modernists like Monk and Sun Ra in Duke’s sparse open phrases and use of extreme ranges on the keyboard. Like those future pioneers, Ellington says more with simple obtuse phrases than others can say with cascades of sophisticated scales. Possibly the oddest cut on the album features Ellington playing the celeste while delivering a bizarre spoken reading of “Moon Maiden”.

Mostly recorded in the early 70s, the band cuts on here are great and feature a mix of old Ellington standbys like Paul Gonsalves and Johnny Hodges, as well as young up and coming modernists like Julian Priester. Some of the ensembles are a bit unusual for Ellington, particularly nice is “Intimate Interlude” which features Harry Carney on bass clarinet and Norris Turney on flute. All through this album flutes and low woodwinds are featured more prominently than is usual in the Duke’s music. Another unusual addition on a few cuts is early B3 organist Wild Bill Davis who uses an old school, almost theatre, sound on the organ. As is usual with Ellington’s music, the soloists are encouraged to use very expressive vocal like techniques that go back to the earliest days of jazz.

Ellington fans will find a lot to enjoy in this eclectic collection. A lot of these tunes were recorded with small groups so that Duke could work out ideas for various projects. Hearing Ellington in these more miniature and experimental settings allows the listener to hear this more “intimate” side to his music. The intimate feel to this collection is furthered by the outstanding recording quality of these cuts. Every instrument sounds very bold and clear, as if you were in the same room with them.