The 1950 edition of Duke Ellington"s famous orchestra offered an extremely intensive and emotionally deep performance. Ellington"s orchestra must be termed "unique," for it preceded all others at that time. Soloists like Ray Nance, Ernie Royal, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney, Lawrence Brown, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ellington"s alter ego Billy Strayhorn offered great performances--the same way they would for another 25 years! Only long-time drummer Sonny Greer, who suffered from "burn-out syndrome," had to be supported by drummer b>Butch Ballard. A considerable amount of these arrangements were written by the leader for the respective soloist, all of them great personalities. Add the beautiful soprano voice of the lovely Kay Davis, and you"ll get an idea of a perfect performance by the best orchestra of that time.