Everything about this album is exquisite, from the cover image of Duke set against the arabesque, to the clarity of the recording itself, to every note that comes from Clark Terry's flugelhorn and Sam Woodyard's drum solo on "Hi Fi Fo Fum." But what grabs me every time is the Duke himself. Most everyone thinks of him only as a composer and conductor, but his piano (esp. on the opening of "Rockin' in Rhythm") is, though somewhat minimal, perfectly precious. And his voice in between songs! There is only one American who has ever been more elegant and sophisticated than the entire city of Paris and the entire country of France. "All the kids in the band want you to know that we do love you madly..."
Suggested Wine Pairing: As elegance is of paramount importance here, might I recommend a Chateauneuf-du-pape, preferably one that is well primed. I've heard good things about Domaine Grand Veneur 2001, for instance. And while this may pinch at the pocketbook, after all we are listening to the man from whom all jazz as we now know it has sprung.
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