Among the numerous filmed performances by the Ellington band, this phenomenal London concert stands out for many reasons. The first one is that contains the only complete performance of Dukes Harlem Suite on film. Written in 1950, this extended piece was first intended to be premiered by Arturo Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra. The premiere, however, was postponed indefinitely for various reasons and never actually took place. As a bonus, we offer a rare Zurich performance filmed during Duke Ellingtons 1959 European tour is offered in this DVD. Paul Gonsalves performs his famous showcase piece Diminuendo in Blue, which had earned him major recognition at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival.
