The scores of photos, illustrations and reproductions of documents make this book a valuable supplement to the growing stack of Ellington biographies : Bennett's watercolor painting of Ellington, the 10-piece 1920s band looking bemusedly at the camera, Ellington peering over the feathered headdresses of Cotton Club chorus girls, President Eisenhower's note of appreciation, Duke playing a piano duet with actor Jimmy Stewart. - ARTS JOURNAL/RIFFTIDES [ Duke Ellington: American Composer and Icon ] is a beautifully produced book - the best I've ever seen on the Duke. Rather than being a dry biography, it's both a page-turner and visual celebration of a fabulous life and career . The book also paints a vivid portrait of the jazz age and the Harlem Renaissance. I know I'll be flipping through the pages to enjoy it again and again. -KCRW RHYTHM PLANET BLOG sakriti opis