Reviewer Ratings Summary

• Caio Cabral:

  10/10

• Daniel Gukas:

  7/10

• Ottilie Miller:

  8/10

• Sophie Ross:

  5/10

• Samuel Briggs:

  7/10

• Mohammed Hussain:

  8/10

Average Rating: 7.5/10

Track Reception

Most Popular Tracks:

• Take the 'A' Train

  (4 mentions as favorite)

• Perdido

  (3 mentions as favorite)

• I See a Sunrise

  (2 mentions)

Most Criticized Track:

• Skin Deep

  (4 mentions as worst track)

Common Themes

Praise

• Duke Ellington's masterful jazz musicianship and composition

• Accessible entry point for both seasoned and new jazz listeners

• Excellent instrumental solos, particularly trumpet work

• Strong vocal performances where present

• Natural, careful composition throughout

Criticisms

• Extended drum solos

  that break up rhythm and cohesiveness (particularly on "Skin Deep")

• Long track lengths

  risk listener fatigue

• Some tracks with "no real rhythm" during solo sections

• Better enjoyed in small doses rather than full album listens

Overall Assessment

This classic jazz album showcases Duke Ellington as a founding father of mainstream jazz, offering both accessibility and complexity. While the masterful instrumentation and composition are widely praised, the album's lengthy drum solos and extended track formats divide listeners. The consensus suggests it's a must-listen jazz record that works best when approached selectively rather than as a complete listening experience.