Masterpieces By Ellington comes from an era that brought the music industry two of its greatest achievements: magnetic tape recording and the 33 1/3-inch vinyl LP. Originally recorded on an Ampex 200 using 3M-111 magnetic tape at 15 inches per second, the original analog tapes have now been remastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound Studios. This vinyl version from Analogue Productions has delighted music fans and critics like Michael Fremer; the newly gained dynamic range is breathtaking.
But Masterpieces By Ellington is not only sonically outstanding, it is also musically exceptional. Although one of his lesser-known albums, it is one of the finest jazz releases. Thanks to the new technology, Ellington was able to break the three-minute barrier imposed by 78-rpm vinyl for the first time. And he used these possibilities to capture his most famous songs on record in their uncut versions, just as he performed them in concert. He is accompanied by his virtuoso orchestra, consisting of Billy Strayhorn (piano), Russell Procope, Paul Gonzalves, Johnny Hodges, Jimmy Hamilton (saxophone), Nelson Williams, Andrew Ford, Harold Baker, Ray Nance, William Anderson (trumpet), Quentin Jackson, Lawrence Brown, Tyree Glenn (trombone), Mercer Ellington (horn), Sonny Greer (drums), Wendell Marshall (bass) and Yvonne Lanauze (vocals).
