Johnny Hodges And His Orchestra

about

Johnny Hodges (July 25, 1907 – May 11, 1970) was an American alto saxophonist, best known for solo work with Duke Ellington's big band. He played lead alto in the saxophone section for many years, except the period between 1932 and 1946 when Otto Hardwick generally played first chair. Hodges was also featured on soprano saxophone, but refused to play soprano after 1946, when he was given the lead chair. 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. Hodges was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to John H. Hodges and Katie Swan Hodges, both originally from Virginia. Soon afterwards, the family moved to Hammond Street in Boston, where he grew up with baritone saxophonist Harry Carney, and saxophonists Charlie Holmes and Howard E. Johnson. His first instruments were drums and piano. While his mother was a skilled piano player, Hodges was mostly self-taught.[3] Once he became good enough, he would play the piano at dances in private homes for eight dolla

top songs

albums

Blues-A-Plenty

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Cool Jazz

Side By Side

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100 Rare Sessions

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The Complete Verve Small Sessions 1956 - 1961

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Duke Ellington Small Groups Vol. 5 (1940-41)

Not So Dukish

Castle Rock

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The Essential Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington Vol. 2 1937-38

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The Chronological Classics: Johnny Hodges and His Orchestra 1950-1951

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Passion Flower 1940-46

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