your favorite 3 Duke Ellington albums?

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.

Such Sweet Thunder
Soul Call
Newport to Paris

To many others.  I don't have that "Live From The Crystal Ballroom. Thanks!

A Homage to Duke by David Grusin - fantastic sounding album.

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!;)

Definitely First Time The Count Meets The Duke, Newport to Paris and  Such Sweet Thunder.  

MasterpiecesThis One's For BlantonDuke's Big 4