Johnny Hodges
Possessor of the most beautiful tone ever heard in jazz, altoist Johnny Hodges formed his style early on and had little reason to change it through the decades. Although he could stomp with the best swing players and was masterful on the blues, Hodges' luscious playing on ballads has never been topped. He played drums and piano early on before switching to soprano sax when he was 14. Hodges was taught and inspired by Sidney Bechet, although he soon used alto as his main ax; he would regretfully drop soprano altogether after 1940. His early experiences included playing with Lloyd Scott, Chick Webb, Luckey Roberts, and Willie "The Lion" Smith (1924), and he also had the opportunity to work with Bechet. However, Johnny Hodges' real career began in 1928 when he joined Duke Ellington's orchestra. He quickly became one of the most important solo stars in the band and a real pacesetter on alto; Benny Carter was his only close competition in the 1930s. Hodges was featured on a countless number of performances with Ellington and also had many chances to lead recording dates with Ellington's sidemen. Whether it was "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," "Come Sunday," or "Passion Flower," Hodges was an indispensable member of Ellington's orchestra in the 1930s and '40s. It was therefore a shock, in 1951, when he decided to leave Duke Ellington and lead a band of his own. Hodges had a quick hit in "Castle Rock" (which ironically showcased Al Sears' tenor and had no real contribution by the altoist), but his combo ended up struggling and breaking up in 1955. Hodges' return to Duke Ellington was a joyous occasion and he never really left again. In the 1960s, Hodges teamed up with organist Wild Bill Davis on some sessions, leading to Davis joining Ellington for a time in 1969. Johnny Hodges, whose unchanging style always managed to sound fresh, was still with Duke Ellington when he suddenly died in 1970.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
Similar artists
-
Side By Side
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1959
The Qobuz Essential Discography24-Bit 192.0 kHz - Stereo -
Back To Back (Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Play The Blues)
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1959
24-Bit 192.0 kHz - Stereo -
The Big Sound
Johnny Hodges, The Ellington Men
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1957
24-Bit 192.0 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Used To Be Duke
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1954
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Complete Verve Small Sessions 1956 - 1961
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 2000
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Hawkins! Eldridge! Hodges! - Alive! At The Village Gate
Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Johnny Hodges
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1962
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Con-Soul and Sax
Wild Bill Davis, Johnny Hodges
Jazz - Released by RCA - Legacy on Jan 1, 1965
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Three Shades of Blue
Johnny Hodges, Oliver Nelson, Leon Thomas
Jazz - Released by ACE RECORDS on Jan 1, 1970
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
The Big Sound
Johnny Hodges, The Ellington Men
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1957
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Back To Back (Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Play The Blues)
Jazz - Released by Verve on Jan 1, 1959
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
In Atlantic City (Live)
Wild Bill Davis, Johnny Hodges
Jazz - Released by RCA Victor - Legacy on Jan 1, 1966
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Collates No. 2
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Oct 28, 1953
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Side By Side
Jazz - Released by Verve on Jan 1, 1959
The Qobuz Essential Discography24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Johnny Hodges With Billy Strayhorn And The Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Verve on Jan 1, 1961
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Back To Back (Duke Ellington And Johnny Hodges Play The Blues)
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on Jan 1, 1959
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
-
-