These performances by the Dave Brubeck quartet recorded in 1958 during the opening night of Newport's Jazz Festival, are an impressive tribute to Duke's music, and among the very best of the Brubeck quartet offerings.

His undeniably individualistic piano is strong, assertive and imaginative, while Paul Desmond is eloquence personified, his playing full of the subtlety and taste for which he was rightly celebrated, everywhere lyrical, beautifully conceived, liquid in tone, and utterly relaxed in execution.

Joe Morello's impeccable taste and invention in support and as a soloist underlines how valuable he was to the Brubeck quartet. And, with Joe Benjamin, he is part of a thoroughly relaxed rhythm section. 

Though Paul's opening notes evoke memories of Without a Song, the basis of this long improvisation is actually a 9 minute 16 seconds long blues in the minor mode dedicated to PLAYBOY'S favorite Playmate, Janet Pilgrim.

Tracklist

A1        Things Ain't What They Used To Be
Written-By – M. Ellington*, T. Persons*
Written-By – M. Ellington*, T. Persons*
7:02

A2        Jump For Joy
Written-By – D. Ellington*
Written-By – D. Ellington*
5:21

A3        Perdido
Written-By – J. Tizol*
Written-By – J. Tizol*

B1        Liberian Suite - Dance No. 3
Written-By – D. Ellington*
Written-By – D. Ellington*
6:29

2        The Duke
Written-By – D. Brubeck*
Written-By – D. Brubeck*
6:26

B3        Flamingo
Written-By – E. Anderson*, T. Grouya*
Written-By – E. Anderson*, T. Grouya*
6:26

B4        G Jam Blues
Written-By – D. Ellington*
Written-By – D. Ellington*
4:52