Most essential, personally and by general consensus, is his stuff with the so-called Webster/Blanton band, from the late 30s to early 40s. I think there's a two-disc set out called Duke Ellington, The Webster/Blanton Band, or years, or maybe the Blanton/Webster band or years. ... Terrific stuff.... But especially since you are interested in the jungle music, why not spend $93 and get the complete 1924-1947? "The Duke: Edward Kennedy Ellington" (History), 40 CD box set. CDuniverse.com and elsewhere. Rafael queried: Someone was talking about Duke development towards what was called in the 30's as jungle music. I used to listen to that when I was a child and it was a thrill, but I haven't any of his recordings of that period. Suggestions ? (good compilations or similar) Talking about Marion Brown, I love "why not" and i haven't heard to three for shepp but I'd like to. What about "Porto Novo"? Cheers Rafael