The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse

by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

Truly one of my desert island albums, and I don't think it gets the attention it deserves. Very late Duke Ellington, recorded in 1971. I picked it up in college because I recognized Chinoiserie from Medeski, Martin, and Wood's cover.

Chinoiserie and Didgeridoo and Tang are great, but Acht O'Clock Rock is the standout for me. It reveals a different direction fusion could have taken under Duke's guidance. I love the way the low horns groove underneath the piano. Killer B-3 too.

Lovely bass from Joe Benjamin throughout.