When Norman Granz signedJohnny Hodgesto a recording contract in 1951, it was a prelude to Hodges’ leaving the Duke Ellington orchestra to lead his own small band. Four years later Hodges was back in the Ellington fold, but he continued to record for Granz under his own name.Side By Side,recorded in 1958 and 1959, is a throwback to the small-group sessions Ellington recorded with Hodges and other members of his orchestra in the Thirties, but with a couple of important differences: the absence ofDuke Ellingtonhimself on several cuts (withBilly Strayhorntaking over on piano), and the presence of such notable non-Ellingtonians as drummerJo Jonesand trumpetersRoy EldridgeandHarry Sweets Edison. Verves Acoustic Sounds Seriesfeatures transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.

Format / LP
Released / 04/18/2025
Catalogue / VRV-168105
Barcode / 602475736066
Artist / Duke Ellington & Johnny Hodges
Label / Verve
Genre / Jazz