Back To Back (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series) LP
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. Critic Michael Ullman suggested that the blues classics chosen for this program may have been neutral ground, where Ellington’s playing could come to the fore & Hodges’ irrepressible sensuality could have free rein. This is one of the very best small-group records Ellington ever made — a perfectly integrated set of music that truly swings the blues.
Tracklist
A1. Wabash BluesÂ
A2. Basin Street BluesÂ
A3. Beale Street BluesÂ
B1. Weary BluesÂ
B2. St. Louis BluesÂ
B3. Loveless LoveÂ
B4. Royal Garden Blues