Duke Ellington

180-gram VIRGIN VINYL

LIMITED EDITION

The Complete Album + 1 Bonus Track

While he was usually featured in front of his unforgettable orchestra, these unique small-group sessions showcase the great Duke Ellington as a pianist in a blues context in the company of his longtime collaborator, alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges.

According to AllMusic writer Eugene Chadbourne, “Hodges does some of the most soulful playing of his career here”. Also setting a very high standard for himself is trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison. This dream sextet is completed by Les Spann on guitar, Sam Jones on bass, and Jo Jones on drums.

PERSONNEL:

• Duke Ellington - (piano)
• Johnny Hodges - (alto sax)
• Harry "Sweets" Edison - (trumpet)
• Les Spann - (guitar)
• Sam Jones - (bass)
• Jo Jones - (drums)

New York, February 20, 1959.

• (*) BONUS TRACK (A4)
• Ray Nance (tp), Johnny Hodges (as), Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders (tb), Harry Carney (bar), Duke Ellington (p), Jimmy Woode (b), Sam Woodyard (d).
• New York, February 25, 1959.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1 WABASH BLUES
• A2 BASIN STREET BLUES
• A3 BEALE STREET BLUES
• A4 VILLES VILLE IS THE PLACE, MAN (*)

• SIDE B
• B1 WEARY BLUES
• B2 ST. LOUIS BLUES
• B3 LOVELESS LOVE
• B4 ROYAL GARDEN BLUES