Duke Ellington
Piano Solo on
In A Sentimental Mood

About

Duke Ellington's piano solo on "In a Sentimental Mood" is the only solo on this celebrated recording from the 1962 Duke Ellington and John Coltrane album. He takes half a chorus of the 32-bar AABA form at a ballad tempo of 73 BPM in D-flat, his distinctive pianistic voice bringing an understated elegance to one of his own most beloved compositions. At 62 to 63 years old, Ellington's sparse, evocative touch reveals the decades of wisdom and taste behind each chord choice. This summit meeting between two jazz titans produced one of the most revered ballad performances in jazz history.

Duke Ellington was 62 to 63 years old at the time.