For Duke — Bill Berry and His Ellington All-Stars (1978, M&K RealTime Records)

A rare and remarkable tribute to Duke Ellington, For Duke was recorded live and direct-to-disc — no edits, no overdubs, just one flawless performance captured in pure analogue warmth. Bill Berry and a lineup of Ellington’s finest alumni bring to life the Duke’s elegant swing and golden horn tones with breathtaking clarity.

Each note on this limited audiophile pressing from M&K RealTime Records feels alive — you can almost hear the air move around the brass and the tap of the drummer’s brush. This isn’t just a record; it’s a time capsule from the golden age of big band jazz.

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Tracklist Highlights

• Take the “A” Train

• Mood Indigo

• I’m Beginning to See the Light

• I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good)

• Cotton Tail

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Details

• Original 1978 Direct-to-Disc pressing

• Label: M&K RealTime Records (RT-101)

• Condition: Excellent vinyl, clean sleeve with light wear

• Format: 33⅓ RPM Stereo LP

• Genre: Jazz / Big Band / Audiophile

Deb’s Note

“This album is one of those you feel before you even hear — a silky, smoky, late-night session that pays its respects to jazz royalty. Play it on a quiet night and you’ll understand why collectors call For Duke a masterpiece.”