Duke Ellington – Ellington Uptown (Pure Pleasure)

Duke Ellington’s Ellington Uptown (Pure Pleasure) is an essential for any vinyl enthusiast. Recorded in December 1951 and 1952, Ellington Uptown joins stunning, extended works of recent vintage (“A Tone Parallel to Harlem,” “The Liberian Suite,” “The Controversial Suite”) with fresh looks at such bona fide classics by Ellington and alter ego Billy Strayhorn, as well as “Perdido,” co-written by longtime star valve trombone soloist Juan Tizol. This edition includes high-quality pressings and a detailed recount of the album’s influential moments, from recording sessions to its role in shaping musical trends.