Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges – Side By Side (1959/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 46:13 minutes | 2,06 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Verve Reissues
A follow-up album to Back to Back: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges Play the Blues. Ellington takes the back seat to saxophonist Hodges in this jam session album, only playing in three of the nine tracks. The album features Hodges, a prominent member of Ellington’s legendary band, backed by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on piano among other notable musicians. The ablum includes works, “Let’s Fall in Love,” “Just Squeeze Me (But Don’t Tease Me),” and “Going Up”.
Topping off a wealth of full-band recordings, the various stars of Ellington’s great outfit recorded many combo sides under their own names. And while not on the same sophisticated level of classic Ellingtonia, the late-’30s material cut by Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Rex Stewart is packed with tasty solo work and some of the finest examples of early small-group swing. These later examples from 1958-1959 feature Hodges backed by both Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on piano and such non-Duke luminaries as Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Harry “Sweets” Edison, and Jo Jones. Like its companion album, Back to Back, Side by Side has a loose, jam session feel, with all the soloists stretching out. Hodges is in top form throughout, while Edison and Webster man their spots just fine. Highlights include the sveltely swinging “Going Up” and Hodges’ bluesy closer, “You Need to Rock.” A must for fans of vintage combo swing.
Tracklist:
1. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Stompy Jones (06:41)
2. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Squeeze Me (04:38)
3. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Big Shoe (05:39)
4. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Going Up (04:54)
5. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Just A Memory (05:55)
6. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Let’s Fall In Love (06:50)
7. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Ruint (02:35)
8. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Bend One (03:01)
9. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – You Need To Rock (05:57)
