Analogue Productions / Impulse  - AIPJ 26 -  180 Gram Virgin Vinyl 

Mastered By Kevin Gray at Acoustech Mastering  - Impulse A-26

AAA 100% Analogue 1500 Numbered - Limited Edition - Pressed at RTI  

2021 Stereophile Magazine Record to Die For!

 

Many great moments have been recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, but this album is my favorite. It's a perfect presentation of the Ellington sound stew with sonic hot sauce on top from Coleman Hawkins. Producer Bob Thiele set the session up, stood back, and let the magic happen. When Hawkins enters the 'Mood Indigo' musical cloud, a holographic sax man appears from the right speaker. Close attention should be paid when listening to this album, preferably in dim lighting. And remember to have fun, because it's all about the joy of musical mastery. -Tom Fine, Stereophile Magazine Record To Die For 2021

 

This is a tremendously enjoyable record, impeccably produced by Analogue Productions . What a great composer, what great music, and a terrific audiophile record! Hear the applause?? 5/5 LPReview

 

 

What a piece of luck that this recording is now available once again as an LP. There’s not even a tinge of patina on these 45-year-old recordings.

 

Collaborative albums such as this one always have been something of a stunt on the part of the record label, with the artists themselves usually stuck with too little time to work out something that would easily act as a functional compromise. Many of these albums, then, have faded away with time. 

 

Impulse!, however, had more than its share of solid collaborations, with some moments of glory thrown in for good measure. This one isn't really one of those moments of glory, but it is a lot of fun, whether it's the daffy cut-up of "Limbo Jazz" or the slow New Orleans smoke of "Wanderlust." All present turn in nice performances on this set of Ellington numbers. - Steven McDonald, Courtesy All Music

 

It really doesn't get much better than Coleman Hawkins & Duke together on one record, intentionally paired together as leaders.

 

Musicians:

Coleman Hawkins, Tenor Saxophone

Duke Ellington, Piano

Johnny Hodges, Alto Saxophone

Harry Carney, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet

Ray Nance, Violin, Cornet

Lawrence Brown, Trombone

Aaron Bell, Bass

Sam Woodyard, Drums

 

Selections:

1. Limbo Jazz

2. Mood Indigo

3. Self-Portrait (Of the Bean)

4. The Ricitic

5. Ray Charles' Place

6. The Jeep is Jumpin'

7. You Dirty Dog

8. Wanderlust