Johnny Hodges

This CD reissue of Used to Be Duke from 1954 is historically significant in that it celebrates the substantive time Johnny Hodges spent with the Duke Ellington orchestra by playing music written by his bandmembers who also appear on this album. The title indeed implies a past association when in fact it was around this time that Hodges rejoined Ellington's band after a five-year hiatus. Actually a nonet instead of a full-blown orchestra, the group includes two significant non-Ellingtonians in pianist Richie Powell and tenor saxophonist "Johnny Coltrane." Powell's new (at this time) membership in the Clifford Brown-Max Roach combo and his stewardship in this group from 1952-1954 ended in the tragic automobile accident that took both Powell and Brown's life in June of 1956. Coltrane, fresh out of the Dizzy Gillespie orchestra playing alto saxophone, is only an ensemble player here with no solo features and a blended-in sound for which the listener really has to strain to hear him at all. It's a pity that Hodges sublimated 'Trane's role in this band -- it could have been marvelous. The music itself is solid enough, including the classic, happy, blues/swing/jam session title track loaded with a string of concise solos. Standards like "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (with pianist Call Cobbs for his lone appearance,) Ellington's "Warm Valley" and "Sweet Lorraine" would be summer stock if not for the extra sensitive solos by Hodges or trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker. The rather humorous "Sweet as Bear Meat" also has a moaning vibrato tone reflecting the contradictory title. The second half of the date features ballads and a single chosen soloist per song including Baker, clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, baritone saxophonist Harry Carney, trombonist Lawrence Brown and Hodges. Powell's showcase during "Autumn in New York" is particularly poignant in its half-speed tempo, cascading chords from the pianist, and Hodges in late. Drummer Louie Bellson is solid as a rock throughout, and analyzing his picture-perfect swing technique would make for a good term paper. One of the better recordings from Hodges as a leader, it's good to have this item back in the marketplace, and comes easily recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide