Blue Notes is an album by American jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges and orchestra featuring performances recorded in 1966 and released on the Verve label.Verve Records Catalog: 8600 series accessed July 27, 2017Discography of the Verve, Clef and Norgran labels accessed July 27, 2017
Reception
AllMusic awarded the album 3 stars with its review by Ken Dryden stating, "the veteran alto saxophonist is backed by an all-star group with arrangements by conductor Jimmy Jones. Hodges' gorgeous tone and effortless ability to swing are the cornerstones of the album, especially in a stunning, very slow performance of "I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me" and the jaunty original by the leader, "L.B. Blues"".
Track listing All compositions by Johnny Hodges except where noted. "Blue Notes" – 2:50 "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me" (Jimmy McHugh, Clarence Gaskill) – 3:20 "Rent City" (V. Speddy) – 3:45 "Sometimes I'm Happy" (Vincent Youmans, Irving Caesar) – 2:40 "Broad Walk" – 3:30 "L. B. Blues" – 4:00 "The Midnight Sun Will Never Set" (Quincy Jones) – 3:30 "Say It Again" – 3:27 "Sneakin' Up on You" (Ted Daryll, Carl Taylor) – 5:30
Personnel Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone Ernie Royal, Snooky Young – trumpet Tony Studd – bass trombone Jimmy Hamilton – clarinet, tenor saxophone Frank Wess – alto saxophone, flute Jerome Richardson – alto saxophone, flute, piccolo Don Ashworth (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 & 8), Danny Bank (tracks 3, 4, 7 & 9) – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet Hank Jones – piano Kenny Burrell (tracks 1 & 8), Eric Gale (tracks 2–7 & 9) – guitar Bob Cranshaw (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6 & 8), George Duvivier (tracks 3, 4, 7 & 9) – bass Grady Tate – drums Joe Venuto – vibraphone, shakers (tracks 2–7 & 9) Jimmy Jones – arranger, conductor
References