Search - Johnny Hodges and His Orchestra;Harold Shorty Baker;Clark Terry;Lawrence Brown;Jimmy Hamilton;Johnny Hodges;Arthur Babe Clarke;Leroy Lovett;Billy Strayhorn;Johnny Williams;Jimmy Woode;Louie Bellson;Sonny Greer :: Perdido + Creamy

These 1955 Johnny Hodges sessions feature two remarkable units including mostly musicians who had been long associated with Duke Ellington. Among them were two excellent trumpet players with clear ideas about Hodges: Clark Terry and Harold "Shorty" Baker. In Terry's laconic opinion, Johnny had "always been true to himself." In the meantime, Baker once said that "Nobody knows what Johnny Hodges feels inside as he walks out to the mike. He may look as though he's on his last walk to the gallows, but he appreciates the applause and he thanks the audience with a million dollars' worth of melody!" Their insights testify to the respect and regard Johnny Hodges (1907-1970) enjoyed among musicians. That his popularity with the public, in a five decade of professional activity, should remain undiminished, similarly testifies to the fact that artistic ability and integrity do not always go unnoticed and unrewarded.