A giant collection of Ellington's best, all presented in the famous Real Book notation! Over 100 tunes, including: African Flower * Air Conditioned Jungle * All Too Soon * Black and Tan Fantasy * Bojangles * C-Jam Blues * Caravan * Come Sunday * Cotton Tail * Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me * Don't Get Around Much Anymore * Duke's Place * Hiawatha * I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) * I'm Just a Lucky So and So * In a Sentimental Mood * It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) * The Mooch * Mood Indigo * Prelude to a Kiss * Satin Doll * Sophisticated Lady * Take the "A" Train * What Am I Here For? * and more.

The Alternative Takes series is of immense value to consumers of the "French Classics" CD series. These are alternate takes in chronological order of historic jazz (and some blues) with a strong representation of the swing era. The Alternative Takes, Vol. 6: 1937-1938 contains 25 Duke Ellington tracks on a single disc, including two takes of "Peckin'" and "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm." While the disc is definitely directed toward collectors, anyone with an interest in this period of jazz will also enjoy it. ~ Al Campbell