#johnny hodges

[hezigler]

Duke Ellington - Isfahan

Just a typically great Johnny Hodges solo on his beautiful custom Buescher alto sax.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Song of the Day - Today marks the 85th Birthday of one of the greatest jazz standards ever:

Duke Ellington’s “Prelude To A Kiss”. Ellington, at the height of his popularity, took a brave step in his songwriting, which to date had all been very classic Tin Pan Alley style, and composed this sophisticated melody which was a new and unique composition. The song was first recorded today, August 9th, 1938, for the Brunswick label, by Ellington’s full orchestra, and featuring - to my mind anyway - the “owner” of this song: the sax player Johnny Hodges. Duke would return to the studio again just a few weeks later to record this song again, this time with lyrics added, the vocal sung by Mary McHugh. And Johnny would record several versions of “his” song, solo and again with Duke. The best was this 1958 version… I never don't get chills from this recording. Velvet... This gorgeous song would get covered by Oscar Peterson, Stan Kenton and June Christy, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, and even Debbie Harry. But again, make no mistake - this is Johnny Hodges’ song. I may be Hodges’ biggest fan, and still haven’t forgiven Ken Burns for his slight of Hodges in his “Jazz” documentary. I think Johnny Hodges’ style was as unique as any of the more renowned sax players of the era. This recording, sexy as hell, and just impeccably poured out, is the perfect argument for that statement, and for living up to the eulogy which Duke spoke of him at this funeral:

“Never the world’s most highly animated showman or greatest stage personality, but a tone so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes—this was Johnny Hodges. This is Johnny Hodges.”

[Mary Elaine LeBey]

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[jazzdailyblog]

John Coltrane: The Colossus of Jazz

Introduction: John Coltrane, often referred to simply as ‘Trane,’ stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. His innovative approach to improvisation, coupled with a tireless quest for musical exploration, reshaped the landscape of jazz and inspired countless musicians across genres. This blog post endeavors to illuminate the life, music, and legacy of the colossus of…

[jazzplusplus]

1958 - The Fabulous Johnny Hodges - Clef Series / Columbia Records

[citizenscreen]

Making magic. Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges, circe 1956

[radiophd]

duke ellington and johnny hodges plus others -- big shoe

[pixnflixnwrites]

Ph: Ted Williams

"Never the world’s most highly animated showman or greatest stage personality, but a tone so beautiful it sometimes brought tears to the eyes, this was Johnny Hodges." - Duke Ellington, from his eulogy for Hodges--Deny Fear@dean_frey

[alesario]

Johnny Hodges at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1961.

photo Jim Marshall

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[the-garrincha-universe]

Johnny Hodges’

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[jazzdailyblog]

Ben Webster: The Warm Sound of the Tenor Saxophone

Introduction: Ben Webster, a great jazz tenor saxophonist recognized for his rich, warm tone and soulful playing style, was born one hundred and fifteen years ago today, March 27, 1909, in Kansas City, Missouri. During his five-decade career, he established himself as one of jazz’s most famous and influential saxophonists. Early Life and Musical Beginnings: Benjamin Francis Webster was raised…

[jazzplusplus]

1951 - Johnny Hodges All Stars from Duke Ellington's Band including Al Sears, Sonny Greer, Leroy Lovett, Lawrence Brown, Emmet Berry, Joe Benjamin - Club Juana - Detroit

[citizenscreen]

Birthday remembrance - legendary saxophonist Johnny Hodges 🎷 #botd

[hezigler]

Watch ""Rondolet" ("Slamar in D-Flat") - The Duke Ellington Orchestra (Live In Studio)" on YouTube

IMHO, one of the greatest reed sections in big band jazz history. Alto sax solo by the inimitable Johnny Hodges.