Johnny Hodges was a featured sax player for Duke Ellington. Billy Strayhorn was Ellington's arranger. They made a fabulous recording called "Johnny Hodges With Billy Strayhorn's Orchestra". There are sound bytes available on Amazon, but I predict you will absolutely love it. Although I consider myself a "rocker", this is one of my all-time favorites.
Duke ellington/Count basie....
Hey picked up Dukes' "blues in orbit"...any other recommendations along this line? Also..enjoy Basies' small ensembles on Pablo...any others that come to mind?