Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound
“…these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don’t want to miss…most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I’d definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!” Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers’ Choice Award – Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

Recorded during the last decade of his long tenure with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, this album finds the great alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges’ musical gifts not only intact but stronger than ever. Featuring the Ellington band – with Jimmy Jones on piano and Billy Strayhorn as bandleader and arranger – it is a fascinating program of Ellington remakes, including tome of the orchestra’s most familiar numbers, all of which have been given subtle new orchestrations by Strayhorn and melodious new interpretations by Hodges.

Recorded in 1961.

Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Billy Strayhorn, arranger, conductor, performer
Cat Anderson, trumpet
Shorty Baker, trumpet
Aaron Bell, bass
Bill Berry, trumpet
Lawrence Brown, trombone
Harry Carney, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, bass saxophone
Chuck Conors, bass trombone
Paul Gonsalves, tenor saxophone
Jimmy Hamilton, clarinet, tenor saxophone
Quentin Jackson, trombone
Jimmy Jones, piano
Howard McGhee, trumpet
Ed Mullens, trumpet
Russell Procope, clarinet, alto saxophone
Sam Woodyard, drums