Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges - Back to Back

Limited Edition 200 Gram, 45rpm 2LP Set!
Only the 1st 1,000 Copies are Numbered!

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound & Cut from the Absolute Original Analog Master Tapes!
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings!

The Blues! Played again and again. Rediscovered and reinvented again and again. The foundation of all different types and styles of popular music from 1890 to the present day! Although not always recognizable as such, and often labeled Blues although not adhering to the strict form, it has provided the basis for music by such diverse artists as Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Eric Clapton. It was obvious that the Duke, too, should devote a complete LP to this theme. But instead of inviting his whole orchestra into the studio, he only chose the rhythm group and Johnny Hodges, his star soloist on the tenor saxophone. In addition he asked Harry 'Sweets' Edison, who played muted trumpet in the Count Basie Band, to join them. Did they consult with one another? These musicians don't need that sort of thing! Arrangements? What for? For the Blues? Absolutely unnecessary! It's in our blood! Playing the Blues is outdated? No way! Just listen to our "Royal Garden Blues"! Modern Riffs in every single second! By the way: this latter number is the only true blues - strictly speaking - among these nine titles.

And there is something less well known to discover among the numbers recorded at the 1959 session: although he himself described his orchestra as his most important and best instrument, as a pianist the Duke proves to be an excellent accompanist in this small combo.

Features:
• Limited Edition
• Only the 1st 1,000 Copies are Numbered!
• Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound!
• Cut from the Absolute Original Analog Master Tapes!
• 200 Gram, 45rpm 2LP
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Musicians:
Duke Ellington, piano
Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Harry "Sweets" Edison, trumpet
Les Spann, guitar
Al Hall, bass
Sam Jones, bass
Jo Jones, drums

Selections:
1. Wabash Blues
2. Basin Street Blues
3. Beale Street Blues
4. Weary Blues
5. St. Louis Blues
6. Loveless Love
7. Royal Garden Blues

Recorded February 1959 in New York City.