Album of the Day

Any decent list of the 10 – or even 5 – greatest figures in jazz history will include Duke Ellington. Frank Sinatra understood this and signed the legendary composer, pianist and bandleader to his label in 1962; Ellington would only remain there for three years, but the brilliance of his output shines on THE REPRISE STUDIO RECORDINGS. The nine albums range from tributes to the big band era, interpretations of pop, rock and soundtrack hits of the day, symphonic and violin-based arrangements and world music (including the masterful AFRO-BOSSA set). Ellington was a magnet for talent, and Cootie Williams, Johnny Hodges and Stephane Grappelli are among the stellar players soaring here. “The king of all – Sir Duke” passed away on this day in 1974, and we'll remember a genius beyond category with THE REPRISE STUDIO RECORDINGS.