This CD reissues three unusual combo dates by Duke Ellington. Two of the sessions feature Ellington and his longtime musical partner Billy Strayhorn both playing piano (while assisted by either Wendell Marshall or Joe Shulman on bass and sometimes an unidentified drummer). The futuristic “Tonk” is the best-known performance but all eight numbers (which include “Cotton Tail” and “Johnny Come Lately”) are quite fascinating. The remaining date has four songs that primarily serve as features for the cello of Oscar Pettiford who is accompanied by Ellington, bassist Lloyd Trotman, drummer Jo Jones and (on two tunes) the celeste of Strayhorn; “Perdido” and “Take the ‘A’ Train” are most memorable. Intriguing music. – Scott Yanow