DUKE ELLINGTON Vinilo y CD

Review: Duke Ellington's Far East Suite, now reissued on 180-gram audiophile orange vinyl LP, is a noteworthy, though often overlooked, entry in Ellington's discography. Recorded in 1966, the suite reflects a time when jazz was tentatively exploring other cultures, with pieces inspired by the band's tour of the Middle East rather than the Far East. While not as celebrated as Black, Brown and Beige or Such Sweet Thunder, Far East Suite captures an intriguing phase in Ellington's career. Composed with Billy Strayhorn, the suite includes gems like Strayhorn's 'Agra' and Ellington's 'Tourist Point of View,' showcasing their enduring creativity even amid Strayhorn's health struggles. This reissue retains previously issued alternate takes and introduces five new ones, though it's hard to add to the original's brilliance. For newcomers, this is a splendid chance to experience Ellington's adventurous spirit; for longtime fans, it's a familiar but welcome revisit. Despite its misnomer and scattered themes, Far East Suite remains a testament to Ellington's enduring legacy.

Review: A standout 1958-1959 recording by Johnny Hodges, Side by Side marked his continued solo work after taking the bold decision to leave the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra. This album harks back to the small-group sessions of the 1930s but with a twist as Ellington's absence on several tracks meant Billy Strayhorn stepped in on piano. Joining Hodges are jazz legends like Jo Jones, Roy Eldridge and Harry 'Sweets' Edison, who all add colour to the varied collection, which has been newly remastered for Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series. As a follow-up to 1959's Back to Back: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges Play the Blues, it is another gem from the noted alto saxophonist.

Review: Back To Back by Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges is a captivating collaboration that showcases the immense talent of these two jazz legends. It's a record, now reissued by Verve, that features a seamless interplay between Ellington's sophisticated piano stylings and Hodges' soulful saxophone melodies. From the swinging rhythms to the heartfelt ballads, each track exudes a sense of elegance and charm. Whether it's the lively improvisations or the tender duets, every moment on this record is a testament to the mastery of these jazz icons.