As World War II came to an end, so did the big band era. For a multitude of reasons, only a few of which we have time to cover, big bands were no longer an affordable commodity.

Keeping a big band on the road, playing one-nighters while covering hotel, food and travel expenses, was simply not viable, and extended appearances at one location were vanishing all across America. Audience tastes changed as well, with the emphasis now placed on vocalists in the pop world, and on smaller, leaner R&B bands on the R&B circuit. Ellington fought on and resisted change, but it was not easy, or inexpensive.

Featured tracks include:

Three Dances

Caravan (re-recording)

The Minor Goes Muggin’

Perfume Suite I – Balcony Serenade

Perfume Suite II – Strange Feeling

Perfume Suirte III – Dancers in Love

Perfume Suite IV -  Coloratura

Things Ain’t What They Used to Be

Come to Baby, Do!

Long, Long Journey

The One That Got Away