At the Rainbow Grill 1967

AMG Review of At the Rainbow Grill 1967

Ken DrydenÐo
All Music Guide

On a few occasions during his career, Duke Ellington temporarily appeared in a club setting with a downsized band. This live recording made at the Rainbow Room in New York City ranges from solo piano to an octet, with individual soloists sometimes featured with just the rhythm section. Trumpeter Cat Anderson, alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritone saxophonist Harry Carney and trombonist Lawrence Brown are on hand, with Ellington taking a lot more solos than during a typical ig-band date, highlighted by his extended workout in "Azure." This set is dominated by favorites from his vast catalog, though he works in newer material, including "Heaven" (heard as a piano solo in a medley with "Le Sucrier Velours"), the bland, ock-ish "Rock the Clock" and "Acht O'Clock Rock," the latter showcasing Anderson. The more familiar material is far more impressive, with Carney excelling in "Sophisticated Lady" and Hodges in a dramatic setting of "Passion Flower." The sound is erratic, with occasional jumps in the recording levels and a few dropouts, but the opportunity to hear Duke Ellington in a live, small group setting makes up for any audio shortcomings.