JOHNNY HODGES AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Hodge Podge (1995) Columbia Jazz Masterpieces, Legacy | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a good set that should have been a great one. Rather than reissue all 43 of altoist Johnny Hodges's small-group dates for Vocalion and Okeh, this CD (which should have been two) only contains 16. The music is often classic small-group swing ("Jeep's Blues," "Hodge Podge" and "Rent Party Blues" are among the highpoints) and there are several superb examples of Hodges playing soprano (showing off the influence of Sidney Bechet) but many valuable performances are missing. The problem is that the set is a straight reissue (although with some new liner notes) of an Epic LP rather than being an improvement. This important material deserves to be repackaged in a more complete fashion. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jeep's Blues    2:54
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
2    Rendezvous With Rhythm    3:00
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
3    Empty Ballroom Blues    2:27
Duke Ellington / Mary Lou Williams
4    Krum Elbow Blues    2:36
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
5    I'm In Another World    3:03
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
6    Hodge Podge    2:36
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
7    Dancing On The Stars    2:56
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
8    Wanderlust    2:48
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
9    Dooji Wooji    2:55
Duke Ellington
10    Savoy Strut    2:31
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
11    Rent Party Blues    2:39
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
12    Good Gal Blues    2:58
Duke Ellington
13    Finesse    2:41
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
14    Hometown Blues    2:40
Johnny Hodges
15    Dream Blues    3:02
Johnny Hodges
16    Skunk Hollow Blues    2:40
Johnny Hodges
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Otto Hardwick (pistas: 1)
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Johnny Hodges
Baritone Saxophone – Harry Carney
Bass – Billy Taylor Sr.
Drums – Sonny Greer
Guitar – Fred Guy (pistas: 1)
Piano, Arranged By – Duke Ellington
Trombone – Lawrence Brown
Trumpet – Cootie Williams