Ellington, Duke & Johnny Hodges: Back to Back (Verve Acoustic Sounds) LP

This is among the finest Ellington small group sides. The predominantly blues repertoire is the perfect setting for Sweets and Hodges to open out, with Duke getting a simpler, but no less forceful rhythm section backing than he did in his own band, notes Jazzwise. Hodges does some of the most soulful playing of his career here.