Review: Duke Ellington shines brightly in the reissued gem Duke's Big 4 on Pablo Records, which has impeccable sound quality (A++) and showcases the jazz maestro leading a stellar quartet. Recorded in January 1973 and originally released in 1974, this album features Ellington alongside Joe Pass on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Louie Bellson on drums. A timeless classic, it's hailed by fans as one of Ellington's finest small group sessions, his masterful percussive style sounding modern and delivering consistently strong solos. With its enduring brilliance, Duke's Big 4 remains a highly recommended classic from Ellington's final decade.
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