Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1962)

For this classic encounter, Duke Ellington "sat in" with the John Coltrane Quartet for a set dominated by Ellington's songs; some performances have his usual sidemen (bassist Aaron Bell and drummer Sam Woodyard) replacing Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones in the group. Although it would have been preferable to hear Coltrane play in the Duke Ellington orchestra instead of the other way around, the results are quite rewarding. Their version of "In a Sentimental Mood" is a high point, and such numbers as "Take the Coltrane," "Big Nick," and "My Little Brown Book" are quite memorable. Ellington always recognized talent, and Coltrane seemed quite happy to be recording with a fellow genius.

by Scott Yanow in All Music Guide

Styles:
Mainstream Jazz
Piano Jazz
Jazz Instrument
Post-Bop

Tracks:
01 In a Sentimental Mood
02 Take the Coltrane
03 Big Nick
04 Stevie
05 My Little Brown Book
06 Angelica
07 The Feeling of Jazz

Line-up:
Duke Ellington - piano
John Coltrane - tenor and soprano saxophone
Aaron Bell - bass (1, 4, 5, 7)
Sam Woodyard - drums (4, 5, 7)
Jimmy Garrison - bass (2, 3, 6)
Elvin Jones - drums (1, 2, 3, 6)