A nicely understated session that was recorded in honor of Billy Strayhorn – who'd passed away a few months before the recording. The set features all classic Strayhorn compositions – played in new versions by Duke and a group that includes Clark Terry, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Aaron Bell, and Jimmy Hamilton. The recording quality is great, and the
sound of the album really makes old classics sparkle nicely once again! Titles include "UMMG", "Blood Count", "Boo Dah", "Rain
Check", "Day Dream", "All Day Long", and "Lotus Blossom", done in a haunting solo piano version by Duke!. Includes the bonus tracks "Rain
check (take 4)", Smada (takes 3 & 4)", "Midriff", "My Little Brown Book" & "Lotus Blossom (trio version)'.
(Bluebird First Editions digipack pressing.)