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

"...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.