Happy Reunion

Untitled

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

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 2½ stars and stated "A particular highlight is hearing Gonsalves play 31 choruses on "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue" in this setting".

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic

Track listing

:All compositions by Duke Ellington except as indicated

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