Ella & Duke at The Côte d'Azur (Live) / Ella & Duke at The Cote d'Azur (Live)

This two-disc package features highlights from several concerts by Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald during the Le Festival International de Jazz d'Antibes-Juan-les-Pins in the south of France between July 26 and July 29, 1966. Both jazz legends are in top form throughout and the obvious affection between them results in some sublime musical interaction. This CD set also includes a pair of additional Ellington pieces — "The Trip" and "Jive Jam" — from the 29th. Although the collection lacks the organic cohesion of a singular performance, the 18 tracks do feature some undeniably prime moments. Of the nine vocals, only three — "Mack the Knife," "It Don't Mean a Thing...," and "Just Squeeze Me..." — feature both Sir Duke and Ella together. Otherwise, Fitzgerald is backed by the more intimately suitable Jimmy Jones trio. Additionally, it should be noted that during this series of concerts, Fitzgerald lost her sister. So between sets she flew to New York and back to France to honor the engagement. Although a consummate professional, this undoubtedly affected the uniformity in her performance. Unscathed however is her signature scat style of vocal improvisations — especially on "It Don't Mean a Thing..." — which is effortless and effervescent throughout. This is contrasted by the emotive affection of tracks such as "The More I See You." The Ellington performances are typical of his mid-'60s sets. His orchestra is especially effective on the wailin' "Diminuendo in Blue" — featuring a blistering blow from Paul Gonsalves (tenor sax). Another particularly inspiring track is the ten-plus-minute "The Old Circus Train Turn-Around Blues" — featuring Ellington on keys doing his best Thelonious Monk imitation. He emphatically interjects chords that are ever so slightly askew, yet rhythmically perfect. [In 1998 Verve issued an eight-disc collection titled Cote d'Azur Concerts on Verve — while this may be a bit on the excessive side, the set offers interested parties a much more accurate overview of the festival — including a rare public rehearsal from the Ellington congregate.]