Part of the Jean-Pierre Leloir 180 gram vinyl Collection, in spite of its title, Festival Session is a studio album that primarily featured tunes Duke presented at the Newport and Playboy jazz festivals during 1959. The 1956 Newport Jazz Festival (the third edition of that event), had proven to be essential for Duke Ellington’s career, which at the time was struggling due to the hardships of sustaining a big band. Festival Session was given a fivestar rating in Down Beat by Don DeMicheal, who wrote, “What a wonderfully powerful yet subtle instrument is the Ellington band. The moods range from thundering jubilation through pixyish humor and satire to quiet reflection. By all means, listen to this.” 180 gram LP