Another superior audiophile vinyl has jazz icons at their finest!
Side By Side: Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Plus Others – Verve Records/LivingSound Fidelity MG VS-6109 (1959)/Verve Records/Universal Music Group 602475736066 Acoustic Sounds Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 46:11 ****1/2:
(Duke Ellington – piano; Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone; Harry Edison – trumpet; Al Hall – double bass; Leslie Spann – guitar, flute; Jo Jones – drums; Ben Webster – tenor saxophone; Roy Eldridge – trumpet; Lawrence Brown – trombone; Wendell Marshall – double bass; Billy Strayhorn – piano)
Duke Ellington had become a musical icon in the 1930’s and 1940’s. His compositions, arrangement and piano instrumentation displayed sophistication and complexity with songs like “Take The A Train”, “Satin Doll”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and “In A Sentimental Mood”. He was equally adept in large and small ensembles. His career stalled in the mid 1950’s. But his appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 re-established his prominence and led to a Time Magazine cover photo. He continued to record live and studio albums with a variety of session players. Additionally, he scored movies like Paris Blues and Anatomy Of A Murder, further enhancing his considerable legacy.
Verve Records/Universal Music Group (as part of the renowned Acoustic Sounds Series) has released a re-mastered 180-gram vinyl of the 1959 album, Side By Side: Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Plus Others. With a star-studded lineup (Billy Strayhorn, Sweets Edison, Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Billy Strayhorn to name a few), this album only featured Ellington on three tracks and was primarily led by Hodges. This is classic pre-bop swing with meticulous arrangements. Side A opens with an Ellington composition, “Stompy Jones”. After a punctuated intro, the group (with Duke on piano) eases into medium swing with Hodges on first lead. Edison’s trumpet bristles with energy and he is followed by Leslie Spann’s fluid guitar lines. Ellington contributes one of his concise, rhythmic solos that is so recognizable. The group offers counterpoint to Edison as Hodges and company jam. “Squeeze Me” (a Fats Waller tune) is a showcase for Ellington and Hodges. They distill the sinewy blues that defines Waller. Edison brings a slow-burning intensity and exchanges with Hodges. With a layered arrangement, “Big Shoe” (the last to feature Ellington) has a breezy eloquence captured by Hodge’s distinctive notation. Then Edison takes over, and hands it off to trombonist Lawrence Brown. In a change of pace, “Going Up” has unique chord changes, and Spann glows on flute. Billy Strayhorn muscles up on piano. This is certainly a showcase for Johnny Hodges and his mellifluous tonality. Edison adds some muted trumpet.
Side B slows things down with the bluesy “Just A Memory”. Ben Webster brings his deft melancholic vibrato to distill the melodic essence. Roy Eldridge’s gossamer trumpet play adds another texture and Strayhorn’s laid-back accompaniment is a perfect complement. There is a big band-like finish. Brown kicks off the popular standard, “Let’s Fall In Love” and is followed by Webster, and Eldridge whose precision and stylish play is compelling. Hodges slides in and maintains the finger-snapping tempo with tenderness. There are various instrumental interchanges and harmonies. “Ruint” is a brief jam that benefits from the shading on alto saxophone. The last two cuts were composed by Johnny Hodges. They exemplify the integrated musicianship and artistic commitment of these jazz greats. “Bend One” exudes a sultry vibe, beginning with Hodges and Eldridge instilling emotion into their runs. Webster and Brown are impressive and the unison approach opens and closes the number. The finale, “You Need To Rock” is ‘down ’n’ dirty” blues with another series of memorable solos, including gritty runs by Webster and Brown.
Side By Side: Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Plus Others is another winner in the Acoustic Sounds Series. The sound mix is vibrant with excellent separation. All of the quality details (gatefold packaging, album sleeve, original liner notes) will make this a valuable addition to any jazz library.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Side By Side: Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Plus Others
TrackList:
Side A: Stompy Jones; Squeeze Me; Big Shoe; Going Up
Side B; Just A Memory; Let’s Fall In Live; Ruint; Bend One; You Need To Rock.
