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Johnny Hodges was most famous for being Duke Ellington's longtime altoist and for having one of the most beautiful tones in jazz. Hodges' caressing of ballads was acclaimed (particularly in later years) but he was really a triple threat, being equally skilled on blues and stomps.
Hodges was born in 1906. He briefly played drums and piano as a youth before taking up the soprano saxophone when he was 14. Sidney Bechet was an influence and a friend. Hodges switched his focus to alto although he continued doubling on soprano until 1940. He played with such groups as those led by Lloyd Scott, Chick Webb, Luckey Roberts and Willie “The Lion” Smith, but that was just a warmup. In 1928 Hodges joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra, staying the first time for 23 years. He immediately became the pacesetter on alto with Benny Carter being his only real competition in the 1930s. Hodges was featured regularly on Ellington's many recordings, particularly on blues and such ballads as “Come Sunday” and “I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good.”
Although he led some record dates of his own, Johnny Hodges was considered an indispensable part of the Ellington Orchestra. It came as a complete shock to the music world in 1951 when Hodges decided to leave Duke and form his own combo. He had a hit with the r&bish “Castle Rock,” which was actually a showcase for his tenor-saxophonist Al Sears. While Hodges recorded many enjoyable sessions during the next four years, his band never really caught on. In 1955 he gave up and rejoined Ellington. Hodges' vacation was over and he traveled the world as Duke Ellington's star soloist for the 15 years that preceded his 1970 death.
The Rabbit In Paris features Hodges in 1950, just a year before he decided to try to be a bandleader. The three sessions team Hodges with such Ellington sidemen as trumpeter Harold Baker, trombonist Quentin Jackson, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, bassist Wendell Marshall and either Sonny Greer or Butch Ballard on drums. In addition, pianist Raymond Fol is in Ellington's spot while the great tenor Don Byas is featured on four numbers.
"One of the main stars of Duke Ellington’s orchestra, altoist Johnny Hodges was with Ellington during 1928-51 and 1955-70. A year before he went out on his own as a bandleader, in 1950 Hodges led three sessions while in Paris. Utilizing mostly Ellington sidemen (with pianist Raymond Fol in Duke’s spot) plus guest tenor-saxophonist Don Byas, he performs standards, a few Ellington pieces and some of his originals. While best known for his beautiful tone on alto, Johnny Hodges also holds his own with his sidemen on the bluesier and hotter pieces, reminding listeners that he was one of the giants of the swing era.
"The music includes basic originals, a few standards and such Ellington favorites as “Perdido” and “Mood Indigo.” While each of the horn players has their spots, Johnny Hodges consistently takes solo honors on these swinging sides. There was no beating that tone!" - Scott Yanow
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