Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges - Back to Back

Label:	Analogue Productions (Verve)
Genre:	Jazz
Product No.:	AVRJ 6055-45
UPC:	753088605512
Availability:	In Stock
Category:	45 RPM Vinyl Record
No. of Discs:	2
Note:	200 Gram

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$60.00

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Also available on:
• Hybrid Stereo SACD
• 180 Gram Vinyl Record

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

"... successful enough to spawn a successor album Side by Side. Both albums have long been collectables with jazz lovers as well as audiophiles, as they contribute top-notch music with fabulous sound. ... the new mastering by the late George Marino of Sterling Sound brings out more detail and texture to the instrumental sound than the original. Sterling Sound's reissues of the 1960s material from the MGM period have been dramatically better than the reissues. The improvement here is real but not as dramatic. Still, this is a first-class reissue." — Recording = 9.5/10; Music = 9/10 — Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 96

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

Several times in his career star alto-saxophone soloist Johnny Hodges struck out on his own, only to return each time to Duke Ellington's band. There seemed to be a constant tension between them, though it was old hat by the time of this recording. In the enclosed notes, critic Michael Ullman examines this complex relationship, suggesting that the blues classics chosen for this program may have been neutral ground. A place where Ellington's unique piano playing could come to the fore and Hodges' irrepressible sensuality could have free rein. This is one of the very best small-group records Ellington ever made — a relaxed, perfectly integrated set of music that truly swings the blues.

Originally released in 1959.

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

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

Customer Reviews

(5.00 Stars) 5 person(s) rated this product.

Incredible

posted on 05/12/2020

5 Stars

Johnny and Sweets are in the room.

A Classic, Better Than Ever. Like Master Tape

posted on 08/03/2019

5 Stars
Reviewer: watchnerd

Musically, this is one of my favorite Ellington albums, though not as famous as his Newport recordings in more of a big band setting, it's great to hear him in a small group jazzy blues setting, but still with plenty of horns, and lots of vamp . And the 45 rpm version is just jaw dropping....I have a great RTR system and this is so low noise, so high bandwidth, it's like 15 ips tape.

Back to sound!

posted on 12/05/2012

5 Stars
Reviewer: Peter

This is the way these guys were supposed to sound. Unbelievable quality, depth ! You feel them play in the room as if they recorded it today. This recording brings out the amazing sound of vinyl no question. A must.

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