Johnny Hodges – Blues A-Plenty (AS Verve Vinyl LP)

Johnny Hodges’ Blues A-Plenty on 180g LP. Remastered from the Original Analog Tapes by Bernie Grundman, Pressed at QRP and Housed in a Stoughton Gatefold Jacket.

Johnny Hodges’ 1958 album Blues-A-Plenty showcases the great alto saxophonist backed by an all-star group featuring Ben Webster, Roy Eldridge, Vic Dickenson, and an Ellingtonian rhythm section formed by Billy Strayhorn on piano, Jimmy Woode on bass, and Sam Woodyard on drums. 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.

Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve’s vinyl reissue series utilizes the skills of top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings. All titles are mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality gatefold sleeves with tip-on jackets.

Musicians:
Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
Roy Eldridge, trumpet
Vic Dickenson, trombone
Billy Strayhorn, 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