Johnny Hodges and Strayhorn also one of my favorites. If you haven't heard the Hodges recording "Everybody Knows", you may want to check it out. Same genre. The orchestra, these guys were pros, all on the same wavelength. Simply wonderful music.
It's not "technically" Duke... but since you already like "Side by Side", you should hear "Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn's Orchestra. It's one of my all-time favorites regardless of genre. I see where it is available on a 2013 SACD release. That should really be special!
I own and enjoy the Grusin disc (along with the companion homage to Bernstein), but are you serious!? The OP's asking for recs on the BEST Duke Ellington recordings and you think the Grusin beats out work by the Duke himself!? If yr not being sarcastic, I'd strongly recommend putting down the Grusin and start listening to the Duke, yr in for a treat!;)
Sarah Vaughan's "Duke Ellington Song Book Vol. 1 & 2" In the 40s With Jimmy Blanton Jazz Violin Session Piano Reflections 1940 Live From the Crystal Ballroom In Fargo, ND
There are five and the first is not even by Ellington, but it's important to hear what a great vocalist can do with his material. If I had to only recommend a single recording it would be the Fargo concert recording.
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