Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington – The Great Summit

Recorded in New York in April 1961, this album brings together, for the first and only time in the studio, two of the most important and influential figures in jazz history: Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

With Armstrong on trumpet and vocals and Ellington on piano, the record captures a musical encounter defined by elegance, spontaneity and remarkable rapport. Accompanied by members of Armstrong's All Stars, the two masters revisit some of Ellington's most celebrated compositions in a relaxed setting that blends swing, blues and traditional jazz. Highlights include “Duke's Place”, “Mood Indigo”, “Cottontail”, “Black and Tan Fantasy” and “In a Mellow Tone”. Armstrong's expressive vocals and trumpet playing find the perfect counterpart in Ellington's sophisticated piano work, resulting in performances full of character and musical warmth. A historic meeting between two jazz giants, presented here in a limited-edition 180-gram blue vinyl pressing.