Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges – Back To Back (Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Play The Blues) (2xLP 45 rpm 200g Analogue Productions) QRP

The alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges pursued solo paths throughout his career, only to return to Duke Ellington's band each time. Although this procedure was old hat when Back To Back was recorded in 1959, there seems to have been a constant tension between Ellington and Hodges. Perhaps the selected blues classics were just the right neutral ground for the complicated relationship between the two musicians. A platform on which Ellington's unique piano playing can come to the fore and Hodge's indomitable sensuality has free rein. The two are accompanied by none other than Harry "Sweets" Edison, Les Spann, Al Hall, Sam Jones and Jo Jones.