| This may very well be the best documentary ever on Duke Ellington. Filmed in 1967, Ellington is seen in a variety of settings: receiving an honorary degree, eating breakfast, performing some of his greatest hits in concert, writing music late at night, rehearsing for his first Sacred concert, mourning at Billy Strayhorn's funeral, leading his band through a recording session, joking around with Louis Armstrong backstage, etc. One wishes that the camera could have been kept on Duke for a year, for virtually everything in this film is quite fascinating. There are not any complete musical performances other than a closing "Take the 'A' Train" played by Ellington with a trio, but for once the talking is full of insights and in its own way as interesting as the music, allowing one to get some good glimpses at a genius at work. Highly recommended. |