The Treasury Shows Vol. 1

This is Vol. 1 of a long series of releases of the complete Treasury Broadcasts from the mid-forties. Every second month a new double CD will be issued on a special label re-created for the occasion: D.E.T.S. for The Duke Ellington Treasury Shows (48 LPs were issued on a private pressing back in the 60’s). This is your only chance to get the complete Treasury series. Start collecting them now! It’s very lucky that these precious, well-recorded radio broadcasts have survived since the mid-40’s. They represent an important – yet elusive – period in the evolution of the U.S. as a whole and jazz in particular. On this double-CD compilation one gets a wonderful insight into how Duke Ellington, the patriot, and Duke Ellington, the famous band-leader, dealt with these complex times. As always, Ellington follows his heart – his own personal and musical convictions – and, as usual, the result is well-worth hearing. Throughout these five broadcasts there are numerous brilliant contributions by Duke’s sidemen, particularly Rex Stewart, Jimmy Hamilton, Joe Nanton, Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, and singers Al Hibbler and Kay Davis.