Stichting Doctor Jazz  presents a previously unissued concert by Duke Ellington and his orchestra from the Hill Auditorium at Ann Arbor University in Michigan, dated 2 July, 1956. This happened just a few days before Duke and his men made their appearance at the famous Newport Festival. It is not, however, a rehearsal for that event, but rather an ordinary concert, with a repertoire reflecting what the band usually played at the time. What makes this recording unique is the very good sound quality achieved on this occasion. We also hear some outstanding solo performances, such as Clark Terry in Harlem Air Shaft, Jimmy Hamilton in Clarinet Melodrama, Britt Woodman  in Theme For Trambeam, and Johnny Hodges in Prelude To A Kiss, just to mention a few. Steve Voce has written the interesting liner notes.

The complete play list is as follows: *Black And Tan Fantasy*Stompin’ At The Savoy*Clarinet Melodrama*Harlem Air Shaft*Sophisticated Lady*Theme For Trambeam*Satin Doll*Take The A Train*Take The A train*La Virgen De La Macarena*Monologue*VIP’s Boogie*Jam With Sam*The Hawk Talks*Prelude To A Kiss*Things Ain’t What They Used To Be*Day In, Day Out*

Parts of this material was published on this web-site in August 2016 under the title “Ann Arbor,2 juli 1956” (in Swedish).

The CD can be ordered from http://www.doctorjazz.nl, e-mail: doctorjazz@online.nl  If you do, you will not be disappointed.