About

A TAV Curator's Pick.

John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges (1906 - 1970) was an American alto saxophonist, best known for solo work with Duke Ellington's big band.  

He is considered one of the definitive alto saxophones players of the big band era (alongside Benny Carter)

Hodges started playing with Lloyd Scott, Sidney Bechet, Lucky Roberts and Chick Webb. When Ellington wanted to expand his band in 1928, Ellington's clarinet player Barney Bigard recommended Hodges. His playing became one of the identifying voices of the Ellington orchestra. From 1951 to 1955, Hodges left the Duke to lead his own band, but returned shortly before Ellington's triumphant return to prominence – the orchestra's performance at the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival. – Wiki

“One of the giants of the alto saxophone, Johnny Hodges was perhaps the most important soloist and sideman in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1928 up to Hodges' death in 1970. The self-taught player made many solo forays during his long career, one of his '50s outfits included a young John Coltrane, but history remembers Hodges for his virtuosic sidemanship, particularly his sensitive rendering of ballads.

Originally issued on Verve Records in 1958, Blues A Plenty finds the alto saxophonist in one of his standout dates as a leader, commandeering a talented group featuring Ben Webster (tenor saxophone), Roy Eldridge (trumpet) and Vic Dickenson (trombone) along with the Ellington rhythm section of Billy Strayhorn (piano), Jimmy Woode (bass) and Sam Woodyard (drums).” - Press Release

Musicians:

1. Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
2. Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
3. Roy Eldridge, trumpet
4. Vic Dickenson, trombone
5. Billy Strayhorn, piano
6. Jimmy Woode, bass
7. Sam Woodyard, drums

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