Side By Side [Verve Acoustic Sounds Series] [180g LP]

by Johnny Hodges

Overview

Topping off a wealth of full-band recordings, the various stars of Ellington's great outfit recorded many combo sides under their own names. And while not on the same sophisticated level of classic Ellingtonia, the late-'30s material cut by Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, and Rex Stewart is packed with tasty solo work and some of the finest examples of early small-group swing. These later examples from 1958-1959 feature Hodges backed by both Ellington and Billy Strayhorn on piano and such non-Duke luminaries as Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Harry "Sweets" Edison, and Jo Jones. Like its companion album, Back to Back, Side by Side has a loose, jam session feel, with all the soloists stretching out. Hodges is in top form throughout, while Edison and Webster man their spots just fine. Highlights include the sveltely swinging "Going Up" and Hodges' bluesy closer, "You Need to Rock." A must for fans of vintage combo swing. ~ Stephen Cook

Product Details

Release Date:	04/18/2025
Label:	Verve
UPC:	0602475736066

Tracks

1. Stompy Jones
2. Squeeze Me
3. Big Shoe
4. Going Up
5. Just A Memory
6. Let's Fall In Love
7. Ruint
8. Bend One
9. You Need To Rock

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Duke Ellington   Primary Artist,Piano
Johnny Hodges   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
Johnny Hodges & His Orchestra   Primary Artist
John Hodges   Primary Artist
Jo Jones   Guest Artist,Drums
Roy Eldridge   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Harry "Sweets" Edison   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Ben Webster   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Billy Strayhorn   Piano
Lawrence Brown   Trombone
Al Hall   Bass
Leslie Spann   Flute,Guitar
Wendell Marshall   Bass
Les Spann   Flute,Guitar

Technical Credits

Ray Henderson   Composer
Mercer Ellington   Composer
Norman Granz   Producer
Johnny Hodges   Composer,Performer
Buddy DeSylva   Composer
Ted Koehler   Composer
Clarence Williams   Composer
Nat Hentoff   Liner Notes
Jimmy Carrol Hamilton   Composer
Jimmy Hamilton   Composer
Duke Ellington   Performer,Composer
Harold Arlen   Composer
Lee Gaines   Composer
Fats Waller   Composer
Lew Brown   Composer