Duke Ellington, best known for his famous Orchestra, was also a master of small-group jazz, recording frequently with combos made up of his great soloist, such as Johnny Hodges and Lawrence Brown. With this critically acclaimed instrumental album, [“One of the year’s genuine jazz treats,” – the Washington Post] Eric Felten imagines what the Ellington small groups might have sounded like at the end of the century. Featuring an all-star lineup of modern jazz greats, including Joe Lovano on tenor sax, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Bob Mintzer on bass clarinet and Billy Drummond on drums, Eric captures the swing and artistic sensibility of Duke Ellington, updated with a modern harmonic conception. Eric won raves not only for his trombone playing, but for his original compositions, which make up the bulk of the tunes on the album.