title: Sonny Stitt with Strings: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
text: # Sonny Stitt with Strings: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
  
  Sonny Stitt with Strings: A Tribute to Duke Ellington is an album by American jazz saxophonist Sonny Stitt featuring performances of compositions associated with Duke Ellington recorded in 1977 for the Catalyst label.
  
  ## Reception
  
  Professional ratings :
  
  | Review scores ||
  | - | - |
  | Source | Rating |
  | Allmusic | |
  
  The Allmusic site awarded the album 3 stars, stating, "No real surprises occur although the string charts are a cut above the usual. Stitt is at his most melodic and really romps on a few of these pieces".
  
  ## Track listing
  
  * "Take the "A" Train" (Billy Strayhorn) - 3:44
  * "Prelude to a Kiss" (Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills) - 4:17
  * "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" (Ellington, Mills) - 4:35
  * "Cotton Tail" (Ellington) - 5:14
  * "In a Sentimental Mood" (Ellington, Mills, Manny Kurtz) - 4:09
  * "In a Mellow Tone" (Ellington, Milt Gabler) - 4:43
  * "Jeep's Blues" (Ellington, Johnny Hodges) - 5:43
  
  ## Personnel
  
  * Sonny Stitt - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone
  * Gildo Mahones - piano
  * Allen Jackson - bass
  * Clarence Johnston - drums
  * String section arranged and conducted by Bill Finegan
  