Johnny Hodges - Ellingtonia 56 (Archive UK 1st Press Columbia Vinyl LP) NM/NM
£
35
$
46
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Description
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Tracklist:
Side A:
- Hi 'Ya
- Snibor
- Texas Blues
Side B:
- The Happy One
- Duke's Jam
- Night Walk
- You Got It Coming
Album Overview:
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"Hi 'Ya" – This track kicks things off with a lively, energetic feel. It's a piece that showcases Hodges’ sharp, swinging saxophone style and sets the tone for the album's overall groove.
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"Snibor" – A fun, upbeat track that’s a nod to the playful side of Hodges’s playing. (For trivia, Snibor is “Robins” spelled backwards, a nod to another jazz great, trumpeter and composer Thad Jones.)
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"Texas Blues" – A more bluesy, relaxed number, bringing a bit of soul into the mix. Hodges’s tone here is smooth, and he gives the track a laid-back feel, but with some of the rhythmic energy typical of blues.
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"The Happy One" – This piece has a light, joyful vibe. The melodies here are uplifting, and you can hear how much fun the musicians are having with the relaxed swing.
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"Duke’s Jam" – A track that’s a tribute to Ellington, clearly influenced by the Duke’s signature style, with a slight improvisational bent. The groove here is infectious, and it really swings, with Hodges letting loose on the saxophone.
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"Night Walk" – A bit more somber and reflective, this track is slower-paced and evokes a sense of solitude, with a more thoughtful, nuanced performance from Hodges.
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"You Got It Coming" – The album closes with a more contemporary, hard-bop style, with a rhythm section that gives this track a punchy, assertive feel.
Musicians:
- Jimmy Hodges on Alto Saxophone
- Art Davis (bass)
- Elvin Jones (drums)
- Bill Evans (piano)
Musical Style & Significance:
This album is an excellent representation of the 1950s jazz scene, where musicians like Hodges, who had been a part of Ellington’s orchestra, were starting to explore more personal, smaller ensemble sounds while still maintaining the deep connection to the big-band era. The interplay between the musicians is sharp, and the compositions themselves are dynamic—sometimes playful, sometimes introspective, but always soulful.
It’s also noteworthy that Elvin Jones, who would later become a key figure in John Coltrane’s classic quartet, plays drums on this album, adding his signature intensity to the rhythm section.
While the album doesn’t necessarily carry the same mainstream fame as some other recordings from 1956, it's a real treat for fans of hard bop and for anyone interested in the legacy of Ellington's influence on jazz musicians of the era.
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