All Star Road Band, Vol. 1 captures Ellington and his stars -- who include trumpeters Cootie Williams and Cat Anderson, trombonists Lawrence Brown and Buster Cooper, saxophonists Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope, and Harry Carney, and vocalist Ray Mance -- in a lively, inspired performance at a dance in Chicago. Fresh arrangements of "Take the 'A' Train," "Mood Indigo," "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," and "Sophisticated Lady" make this set as invigorating now as it was in 1964. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide