Jazz Party is a 1959 album by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra which contains a "formidable gallery of jazz stars" guesting, including Dizzy Gillespie and Jimmy Rushing (formerly the vocalist for Count Basie).[1] It featured also a 9-strong percussion section on two tracks.
The recording was first digitally remixed by Larry Keyes and remastered by Vlado Meller in 1987 and released on CD in the "CBS Jazz Masterpieces" series. A new remastering by Bernie Grundman in the early 2000s was first issued by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab.
Described as "an example of the ever-surprising repertoire...characteristic of late Ellington",[4]Jazz Party has been praised particularly for its unique percussion pieces.[5][6]Village Voice reviewer Gary Giddins stated that the percussion song "Malletoba Spank" "will rattle in your brain until you die".[7] The multi-part "Toot Suite" has been described as intriguing,[4] though underrated, featuring strong statements from Ellington regulars and guests.[5]Dizzy Gillespie's guest solo on "U.M.M.G." attracts much attention as well, and has been labeled both "enterprising" and "inspired".[4][5]
