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A compilation of early Duke Ellington Orchestra recordings (1928-1932) which also includes Ellington-led small groups such as Harlem Hot Chocolates and The Harlem Footwarmers. All tracks by Duke Ellington (Cotton Club) Orchestra unless otherwise specified. Personnel: Duke Ellington (arranger, piano); Benny Carter (arranger); Ivie Anderson, Baby Cox, Irving Mills (vocals); Johnny Hodges (soprano & alto saxophones, clarinet); Harry Carney (alto & baritone saxophones, clarinet); Otto Hardwick (alto, baritone & bass saxophones); Barney Bigard (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Bubber Miley, Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins (trumpet); Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown (trombone); Juan Tizol (valve trombone); Lonnie Johnson (guitar); Fred Guy (banjo); Wellman Braud (acoustic bass); Sonny Greer (drums). JAZZ COCKTAIL collects material recorded by Ellington and his orchestra in the late '20s and early '30s, the period following their ascent to stardom via the now-legendary Cotton Club engagements. The opener "Stevedore Stomp" kicks things off in classic Ellington style, with spirited, swinging solos that belie the studied sophistication of the intricate inner harmonies behind them. The gentle, swaying side of the Ellington orchestra is presented on "Rose Room," where clarinetist Barney Bigard solos eloquently over Duke's trademark muted trumpets. Most of the material presented here features the players who became inextricably associated with the highly individualistic Ellington sound (Bigard, Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams). Stylistically, though, the selections lean heavily toward the more straightforward Cotton Club sound, offering occasional hints of the glory that was yet to come.
