Johnny Hodges - In Concert - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

In 1951 Duke Ellington's biggest star soloist decided to finally leave the band he had been with since 1928, seduced by JATP's impresario Norman Granz. The jazz world was perhaps heartbroken, but at the same time Hodges took with him, Ellingtonians Sonny Greer, Lawrence Brown and Al Sears, to form a small group called Johnny Hodges and His Orchestra. Arrangements by pianist Leroy Lovett and others consolidated their sound, which led to a hit record called InchCastle RockInch. The Hodges sound was decidedly more romping jump blues than the style of The Duke, but Hodges would always keep many Ellington standards in the book. On this outing, we find a live version of the 1952 band, with the exception of drummer Greer, it is the same band that had the hit record. Trumpet player Emmet Berry plays with fire and passion, and he's very strong. Tenor Saxist Sears sounds much like he did with Duke, pacing his solos with an imperative crescendo, often leading to an explosively rocking climax. Brown and Hodges are in perfect form, fully mature here from their years with Ellington, and generally leading the charge with their distinctive styles. Welcome to a warm and cheerful outing, a rare glimpse of this band performing live.

During the mid to late 1960s, along side his tenure with the great Duke Ellington Band, legendary Alto Saxophone pioneer Johnny Hodges was often found recording and gigging with the likewise legendary Hammond Organ pioneer Wild Bill Davis. There always seemed to be a kinship between these two gentlemen that was deeply rooted in the blues, and this album serves as a testament to that kinship. InchBlue PyramidInch focuses on the blues and a blue feeling, even when the structure of the song is not exactly that 12 bar form. The mood of this semi-commercial, Creed Taylor-produced tour-de-force immediately takes us into that deeply rhythmic yet forlorn vibe, whereby we can virtually taste the drip of succulent soul, portrayed by Hodges/Davis, Incorporated. Ellington rehearsal pianist and oft-accompanist Jimmy Jones provides the arrangements, while Ellingtonians Lawrence Brown and Jimmy Hamilton furnish us with just enough Ducal familiarity to reassure us we are home, in spite of the Inch60's rockingInch treatments of the tunes. We even get a taste of Johnny Hodges' son, Johnny Brother Hodges on drums. The selections range from Ellington to Hodges and Davis originals, and this septet captures the essence of swinging and singing.

France