Johnny Hodges - The Best of the Verve Years (2019) 4CD

The defining saxophonist of his generation, Johnny Hodges rose to prominence during the big-band era with what Duke Ellington described as 'a tone so beautiful it sometimes bought tears to the eyes'. Perhaps an understated member of Ellington's big band initially, Hodges' deft tone and seductive style soon affirmed him as one of The Duke's most valuable soloists and a vital player in his orchestra. A subdued yet commanding presence in the big band format, Hodges' assured mastery of the alto-sax and his subtle nuance has left him regarded as one of the very best musicians to have worked alongside Ellington. Hodges' career-defining moment came in 1928 when he joined Duke Ellington's orchestra, and from 1937 he led his own studio group drawn from members of the group, with whom he released tracks co-written with Ellington, including 'Jeep's Blues', 'Hodge Podge' and 'Confab With Rab', each composed to complement Hodges' own seductive style of play. During the 1940s, Hodges dispelled with the soprano altogether, deciding to focus solely on the alto saxophone, following which he developed into a crucial member of the Ellington orchestra. After almost a quarter of a century under Ellington's leadership, Hodges split from the orchestra in 1951 to form his own group, who had an immediate and sizeable hit with 'Castle Rock', although thereafter the band struggled to maintain their celebrity. It was in this period, however, that Hodges recorded with John Coltrane and Ben Webster, each of whom held Johnny Hodges in great esteem and were avid fans of the great man's work. Featuring 8 albums, this 4 CD Box Set serves to highlight some of Johnny Hodges' finest ever full-length works as leader or co-leader. Faithfully remastered, this collection serves as both an enthralling introduction to an all-time great jazz musician and as an invigorating re-affirmation of Hodges' talents for those already familiar with his work.