Ellington Uptown

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars and stated "Although some historians have characterized the early '50s as Duke Ellington's "off period" (due to the defection of alto star Johnny Hodges), in reality, his 1951-1952 orchestra could hold its own against his best. This set has many classic moments... One of the great Duke Ellington sets". Three factors stand out in the interpretation of Ellington's music on this album: Betty Roche's vocal on a multi movement version of "Take The 'A' Train," the addition of Louis Bellson on drums (Skin Deep), and the updating of old Ellington material that is made new and fresh.

Track listing

:All compositions by Duke Ellington except as indicated

1. "Skin Deep" (Louis Bellson) - 6:49
2. "The Mooche" (Ellington, Irving Mills) - 6:36
3. "Take the "A" Train" (Billy Strayhorn) - 8:02
4. "A Tone Parallel to Harlem (Harlem Suite)" - 13:48 Previously released on Ellington Uptown only
5. "Perdido" (Juan Tizol) - 8:25
6. "Controversial Suite Part 1: Before My Time" - 6:09 Previously released on Hi-Fi Ellington Uptown only
7. "Controversial Suite Part 2: Later" - 4:14 Previously released on Hi-Fi Ellington Uptown only
8. "The Liberian Suite: I Like the Sunrise" - 4:28 Bonus track on CD reissue
9. "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 1" - 4:50 Bonus track on CD reissue
10. "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 2" - 3:26 Bonus track on CD reissue
11. "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 3" - 3:45 Bonus track on CD reissue
12. "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 4" - 3:04 Bonus track on CD reissue
13. "The Liberian Suite: Dance No. 5" - 5:08 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel