Ellington's Jungle Band

Duke Ellington's orchestras paved the way for so much small and large ensemble music to come. One of Duke's techniques was to write tunes and arrangements for specific members of his band. He had such stable personnel over the years and he knew their playing so well that he was able to take advantage of the unique strengths of his musicians. This performance of the band's staple Rockin In Rhythm amply demonstrates this aspect. Plus - this is just a great, rollicking ride because these musicians really know how to function as one entity.