The music here defies fad and fashion. Johnny Hodges and his alto sax speak with trademark elegance and eloquence part and parcel of having been with the Duke Ellington Orchestra in its most celebrated days. The sides included come from three of Hodges' classic albums: "Ellingtonia '56," "Duke's in Bed" and "The Big Sound," and the formations range from large combo units to the full-fledged Ellington band (without Duke). Rich, rocking, blue-boned relaxation is the mood, and this set of Hodges-guided numbers is full of his inimitable swing and ever-present touches of warmth and humor. CD1 JOHNNY HODGES OCTET: Ray Nance (tp), Lawrence Brown (tb), Johnny Hodges (as), Jimmy Hamilton (cl, ts), Harry Carney (bars), Billy Strayhorn (p), Jimmy Woode (b), Sam Woodyard (d) JOHNNY HODGES NONET: Clark Terry (tp) added; Quentin Jackson (tb), replaces Brown RECORDED New York City, 1956 CD2 JOHNNY HODGES AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Willie Cook, Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Harold "Shorty" Baker, Ray Nance (tp), Quentin Jackson, John Sanders, Britt Woodman (tb), Johnny Hodges (as), Russell Procope (cl, as), Jimmy Hamilton (cl, ts), Paul Gonsalves (ts), Harry Carney (bars), Billy Strayhorn (p), Jimmy Woode (b), Sam Woodyard (d) RECORDED New York City, 1956-1957
J**N
Memories revisited
Over 40 years ago I purchased the LP of Ellingtonia 56 and later The Big Sound. I still have both but it is too much hassle to play them. I have been regularly viewing Amazon to see if the former was available on CD for upwards of 10 years so imagine my joy on finding that both were finally re-issued on a CD this year. The double disc got an immediate play as soon as they arrived and I was not disapointed that I had made the purchase. The sound is still vibrant and most importantly swings like made. The late, great Johhny Hodges was in fine form for these recordings as were the other members of the Ellington band. I would reccomend this purchase to any Ellington or Hodges fan as I am sure they will enjoy the recordings.
M**O
JOHNNY MINUS DUKE.
I Must admit I like the first disc better containing the great album Ellingtonia '56. Truthfully everything is fine and swinging. Ray Nance, Cat Anderson, and other create moods tender and frantic. The sound is good ,and the price won't kill you. You will feel good for a long while with this one. Hard to resist. Love Johnny on the standards Letter and Had to be you. Hodges always a delight.
S**N
Five Stars
Great Recording of the small groups
V**D
Johnny Hodges and the Ellington Men 1956-57
I first saw Johnny Hodges with Duke Ellington in the Gaumont State,Kilburn. This was in the Autumn of 1958, and it was an unforgettable experience. These 2 CD's have been out of print for too long, infact although I owned one of the LPs that have been released, the other 2, The Big Sound and Dukes in Bed, I have never seen or heard. This is great swinging jazz and Hodges is on great form. The sound is good, so if you are into Ellington, and his band when these recordings were made was one of his best, treat yourself and enjoy these recordings.
M**N
Brilliant hodges albums
If you like ellington and hodges then this is a gem with great tracks stunning playing and for me rates up with ellington albums like jazz party and blues in orbit.
T**I
Five Stars
BY JOVE, TOP RANKING.
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