Johnny Hodges Blues A Plenty on Hybrid SACD from Analogue Productions

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).

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding." - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online

Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone)

Billy Strayhorn (piano)

Ben Webster (tenor saxophone)

Roy Eldridge (trumpet)

Vic Dickenson (trombone)

Jimmy Woode (bass) 

Sam Woodyard (drums)

1.  I Didn't Know About You

2.  Cool Your Motor

3.  Gone With The Wind

4.  Honey Hill

5.  Blues-A-Plenty

6.  Don't Take Your Love From Me

7.  Saturday Afternoon Blues

8.  Satin Doll

9.  Reeling and Rocking