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Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges – Back to Back – Verve Records 45RPM 200g 2 Disc Vinyl

£75.00
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. There seemed to be a constant tension between them, though it was old hat by the time of this recording. In the enclosed notes, critic Michael Ullman examines this complex relationship, suggesting that the blues classics chosen for this program may have been neutral ground. A place where Ellington's unique piano 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 relaxed, perfectly integrated set of music that truly swings the blues.

Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson – Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson Verve 180g Vinyl

£55.00
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson is a brilliant undertaking in which Verve’s legendary “house pianist” encountered one of jazz’s most revered giants. A significant part of Peterson’s genius was his ability to be an exceptional pianist and leader, while also being a perfect accompanist when the circumstance demands… and in a situation like this, to be both. Armstrong is not only recognized as one of the most innovative, singular, fascinating and beloved artists of the 20th century, but also one of the most generous in the way he embraced and stimulated his collaborators. Backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio — bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis, and augmented by frequent fourth member Louis Bellson on drums — these peerless heavyweights created an album that is utterly compelling, radiantly jubilant and consummate in artistry.

Oscar Peterson Trio with Milt Jackson – Very Tall – Verve Records 180g Vinyl

£39.95
Scott Yanow of AllMusic says in his 4-Star review of Very Tall: “This first matchup on records between pianist Oscar Peterson and vibraphonist Milt Jackson was so logical that it is surprising it did not occur five years earlier. Originally recorded for Verve and three decades later reissued on this audiophile CD by Mobile Fidelity, the quartet set (which also includes bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen) swings as hard as one might expect. Highlights include ‘On Green Dolphin Street,’ ‘The Work Song,’ ‘John Brown’s Body’ (a jam on ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’) and ‘Reunion Blues.’ Fortunately O.P. and Bags would meet up on records many times in the future (particularly during their Pablo years) but this first effort is a particularly strong set.”

The Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story – Verve 200g 45 RPM Vinyl

£75.00
One of the first Broadway musical scores to be overtly jazz-influenced was Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, a tale of rival street gangs in the inner city. In 1962, pianist Oscar Peterson put his light-swing signature on the already popular score, making it, in the words of one critic, “a delight to hear again” and earning him a Grammy nomination.
Originally released in 1962