Several times in his career star alto-saxophone soloist Johnny Hodges struck out on his own, only to return each time to Duke Ellington's band. Critic Michael Ullman suggested that the blues classics chosen for this program may have been neutral ground, where Ellington's playing could come to the fore and Hodges' irrepressible sensuality could have free rein. This is one of the very best small-group records Ellington ever made — a perfectly integrated set of music that truly swings the blues.

VERVE ACOUSTIC SOUNDS SERIES: mastered fully analogue from the original tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QPR pressing (180 g), firm tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve, Gatefold Sleeve.

Tracklist:

A1. Wabash Blues
A2. Basin Street Blues
A3. Beale Street Blues    
B1. Weary Blues
B2. St Louis Blues
B3. Loveless Love
B4. Royal Garden Blues    

Duke Ellington – piano / Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone / Harry "Sweets" Edison – trumpet / Les Spann – guitar / Al Hall – bass / Sam Jones – bass / Jo Jones – drums