No surprises, but the session was as good as one might hope. Gathered here was the
Ellington band with
Billy Strayhorn at the piano. While it was not an
Ellington record, the band brought its solid qualities in backing and the occasional solo to all the fine
Hodges features. This was an integrated unit, not some detached studio band for
Hodges to blow over, under, around, and through. It was wonderful
Hodges and fine
Ellington.