DUKE ELLINGTON & JOHNNY HODGES - BACK TO BACK - SLEEVE - NM / VINYL - NM

Back to Back: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges Play the Blues is a landmark 1959 jazz studio album recorded by legendary bandleader/pianist Duke Ellington and his star alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Released under Verve Records, this highly acclaimed release captures the two jazz giants stepping away from their standard big-band arrangements to lead a relaxed, soulful small-group session focused on traditional blues repertoire.

Album Overview

Attribute    Details
Artists    Duke Ellington (Piano) & Johnny Hodges (Alto Saxophone)
Release Date    1959
Genre    Jazz / Swing / Blues
Record Label    Verve Records
Sister Album    Side by Side (1959)

Core Personnel

• Duke Ellington – Piano
• Johnny Hodges – Alto Saxophone
• Harry "Sweets" Edison – Trumpet
• Les Spann – Guitar
• Sam Jones – Bass
• Jo Jones – Drums

Track Listing

The original LP configuration features seven classic blues tracks:

Track #    Song Title    Length
1    "Wabash Blues"    6:25
2    "Basin Street Blues"    8:01
3    "Beale Street Blues"    7:35
4    "Weary Blues"    6:54
5    "St. Louis Blues"    5:46
6    "Loveless Love"    7:09
7    "Royal Garden Blues"    5:24