Happy Reunion

Happy Reunion
Studio album by Duke Ellington
Released	1985
Recorded	March 19, 1956 & June 24, 1958
Studio	Universal Studios, Chicago
Genre	Jazz
Length	33:35
Label	Doctor Jazz FW 40030
Producer	Duke Ellington & Bill Putnam
Duke Ellington chronology
The Cosmic Scene (1958) Happy Reunion (1985) Newport 1958 (1958)

Happy Reunion is an album by American pianist, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington recorded in 1956 and 1958 but not released on the Doctor Jazz label until 1985.[1] The album features two small group sessions led by Ellington and recorded in Chicago.[2]

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow stated: "A particular highlight is hearing Gonsalves play 31 choruses on "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" in this setting".[3]

Track listing

All compositions by Duke Ellington except where noted

1. "Way Back Blues" (Count Basie) - 3:25
2. "Where's the Music?" - 3:11
3. "Rubber Bottom" - 2:48
4. "Play the Blues and Go" - 4:32
5. "In a Mellow Tone" [Take 1] (Ellington, Milt Gabler) - 3:14
6. "In a Mellow Tone" [Take 2] (Ellington, Gabler) - 2:58
7. "Happy Reunion" [Take 1] - 3:26
8. "Happy Reunion" [Take 2] - 2:42
9. "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue (The Wailing Interval)" - 7:20

• Recorded at Universal Studios, Chicago on March 19, 1956 (tracks 1-4) and June 24, 1958 (tracks 5-9).

Personnel

• Duke Ellington – piano
• Clark Terry - trumpet (tracks 1-4)
• John Sanders - valve trombone (tracks 1-4)
• Jimmy Hamilton - clarinet (tracks 1-4)
• Johnny Hodges - alto saxophone (tracks 1-4)
• Paul Gonsalves - tenor saxophone (tracks 5-9)
• Jimmy Woode - bass
• Sam Woodyard - drums

References

1. Both Sides Now: Doctor Jazz Label Discography, accessed November 26, 2019
2. Duke Ellington Panorama: Discography, accessed November 26, 2019
3. Yanow, S. Allmusic Review accessed May 10, 2010