Piano Reflections

These 1953 recordings brought Duke the pianist into clear focus, proving him to be a clever, quirky, thoughtful, and bold improviser--often simultaneously. Ellington wrote 8 of these 15 cuts specifically for this record, while offering new interpretations of classics such as "Prelude to a Kiss," "In a Sentimental Mood," and "All Too Soon" plus Billy Strayhorn's delicate "Passion Flower" and son Mercer's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." As strong as those readings are, the highlights here are the new pieces. "Reflections in D," "Retrospection," and "Melancholia" are spooky-but-serene tone poems; "Montevideo" and "Kinda Dukish" (actually the introduction to "Rockin' in Rhythm") are jagged and urgent; and "Janet," a two-minute suite in three parts, combines both moods. The lesser-known "Dancers in Love" (from The Perfume Suite) receives a delightful treatment that shows just how much can be said with one title and two minutes. --Marc Greilsamer