Additional information
Personnel: Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Al Hibbler (vocals, violin); Flip Phillips, Al Sears (tenor saxophone); Emmett Berry (trumpet); Lawrence Brown (trombone); Leroy Lovett (piano, celesta); Billy Strayhorn (piano); J.C. Heard , Sonny Greer (drums). Liner Note Author: Anatol Schenker. Recording information: New York, NY (02/28/1951-07/17/1952); San Francisco, CA (02/28/1951-07/17/1952). This compilation of sides recorded by the preeminent alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges during one of his several periods away from the Duke Ellington orchestra shows fine examples of his lyrical approach, in tracks like the gorgeous "Jeep's Blues" and the Ellingtonesque "Day Dream," as well as his more incendiary style on cuts like "Good Queen Bess." Essential for Ellington and Hodges students, as well as fans of superlative music, this collection is evidence that Hodges was a cornerstone of the Ellington sound for a major part of the band's lifespan.
