Nothing but the Blues (Herb Ellis album)

Nothing but the Blues is the second album by jazz guitarist Herb Ellis. In the liner notes, Nat Hentoff calls it Ellis's "best album yet and one of the most directly fulfilling sessions" of 1958. In his glowing review for DownBeat, John Tynan says, "Gather 'round, children, and listen to the message of the blues. The whole story is right here in eight, eloquent preachments by as fine a quintet of wailers as can be assembled." He ends his review by calling it "One of the very best jazz albums of this year.”

"The point at which blues becomes jazz is an elusive one," says Gregory Isola. "Those of you up for exploring this crucial crossroads ... can start right here."

1994 CD reissue bonus tracks
The following tracks were recorded May 1, 1958, in Paris

Personnel

 * Herb Ellis – guitar
 * Roy Eldridge – trumpet, tracks 1–9, 11
 * Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet, track 12
 * Stan Getz – tenor saxophone, tracks 1–9
 * Coleman Hawkins – tenor saxophone, track 10
 * Ray Brown – double bass
 * Stan Levey – drums, tracks 1–8
 * Gus Johnson – drums, tracks 9–12
 * Oscar Peterson – piano, tracks 9–12