Leave it to the ever-ambitious Ellington (and his writing partner Billy Strayhorn) to use a world tour by the Duke’s orchestra as an occasion to push their compositional style. The combination of Eastern modes and Western big-band swagger leads to fireworks right away on "Tourist Point of View," and the layering of instrumental voices gives "Bluebird of Delhi (Mynah)" a joyfully experimental tinge. Elsewhere, Duke’s piano shines during "Depk," and the enduring "Isfahan" shows off Ellington and Strayhorn's unerring way with melody.