DUKE ELLINGTON and JOHNNY HODGES BACK TO BACK
Released 1959
Recorded February 20, 1959 - Columbia Studios, New York
Label: Verve
Format:Flac



In February of 1959, Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges decided to collaborate. The result was not a heavily arranged big band project, but a blues record. In place of an orchestra, there was a quintet, including Harry “Sweets” Edison on trumpet. An unusual feature is Ellington in the role of sideman, in essence backing Hodges (Note: there are many rumors over the tension in this session). Never the less, the ensemble weaves through a catalogue of tunes (only one Ellington piece). A subsequent LP, Side By Side was released the same year.



Tracklist:
1."Wabash Blues" – 6:22
2."Basin Street Blues" – 8:05
3."Beale Street Blues" – 7:40
4."Weary Blues" – 6:50
5."St. Louis Blues" – 5:45
6."Loveless Love" – 6:05
7."Royal Garden Blues" – 5:20

Personnel:
Duke Ellington – piano
Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone
Harry “Sweets” Edison – trumpet
Les Spann – guitar
Al Hall – bass (1,2 & 4)
Sam Jones – bass (3,5,6 &7)
Jo Jones – drums