Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington the most important artists in the history of jazz and the two most influential American musicians of the 20th Century. Because of their centennials (1999 for Duke and 2000 for Louis), their great legacy is celebrating a worldwide rennaissnce. And this month, they are the focus and the continum in Ken Burns' JAZZ, a 20-hour documentary to be broadcast on PBS. In April, 1961, these two giants got togethr in a New York studio for their only encounter. Louis brough Read more...

An undervalued gem from the late '50s, this album finds Duke painting many different shades of blue as he returns to classics like C Jam Blues and In a Mellow Tone . Includes three bonus tracks and five bonus alternate takes! Read more...

This lightweight tote combines playful and practical in one convenient package. Shoulder bag converts to a convenient backpack with its adjustable nylon strap. Large organizer panel features two zip pockets, two slip pockets and a key clip underneath the flap. Two exterior, elasticized slip pockets on the sides. Slip pocket on the back. Vertical zip pocket on front flap. Interior pocket has a zip pocket and slip pocket. Quick-release buckle closure. Brushed-nickel hardware. 14-26" drop strap. Li Read more...

Duke Ellington recorded for so many labels and went through so many stylistic phases, any attempt to boil down his "essence" will inevitably come up short. So it goes with this two-disc collection. While containing a wealth of gems from Columbia's huge Duke catalog, as well as some early efforts for Brunswick, it does not represent such defining works as the late-'30s/early-'40s songs gathered on RCA's Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band and The Far East Suite, Prestige's Read more...