Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Back To Back (SACD hibrid)

Throughout his career, alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges would strike out on his own, only to return to Duke Ellington’s band each time. Even though this approach was old hat by the time Back To Back was recorded in 1959, there seems to have been a constant tension between Ellington and Hodges. Perhaps the choice of blues classics was just the right neutral ground for the two musicians’ complicated relationship. A platform on which Ellington’s unique piano playing can come to the fore and Hodges’ irrepressible sensuality can be given free rein. The pair are accompanied by none other than Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Les Spann, Al Hall, Sam Jones and Jo Jones.

This recording is part of a series of 25 Verve reissues on Analogue Productions. The original Analogue tapes are re-mastered by senior mastering engineer George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York. Many of the tapes have been sent to other labels as copies for decades, but Sterling Sound works so closely with Universal Music, the owners of the Verve label, that they occasionally make an exception. The hybrid SACDs sound excellent, clearly eclipsing earlier digitisations.

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.

Lista pieselor

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