Jazz Rock Verve

The defining saxophonist of his generation, Johnny Hodges rose to prominence during the big-band era with what Duke Ellington described as 'a tone so beautiful it sometimes bought tears to the eyes'. Perhaps an understated member of Ellington's big band initially, Hodges' deft tone and seductive style soon affirmed him as one of The Duke's most valuable soloists and a vital player in his orchestra. A subdued yet commanding presence in the big band format, Hodges' assured mastery of the alto-sax and his subtle nuance has left him regarded as one of the very best musicians to have worked alongside Ellington. Hodges' career-defining moment came in 1928 when he joined Duke Ellington's orchestra, and from 1937 he led his own studio group drawn from members of the group, with whom he released tracks co-written with Ellington, including 'Jeep's Blues', 'Hodge Podge' and 'Confab With Rab', each composed to complement Hodges' own seductive style of play.

With the passage of time, Bill Evans has become an entire school unto himself for pianists and a singular mood unto himself for listeners. There is no more influential jazz-oriented pianist only McCoy Tyner exerts nearly as much pull among younger players and journeymen and Evans has left his mark on such noted players as Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau. Borrowing heavily from the impressionism of Debussy and Ravel, Evans brought a new, introverted, relaxed, lyrical, European classical sensibility into jazz and that seems to have attracted a lot of young conservatory-trained pianists who follow his chord voicings to the letter in clubs and on stages everywhere.

Ella Fitzgerald - The Complete Decca Singles, Vol. 1: 1935-1939 (2017) {4CD Set, Verve Reissues, Digital Only Issue}
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© 1935-39, 2017 Verve Reissues / UMG | Digital Only Issue
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Bop / Standards / Swing

Come on folks, this is ELLA FITZGERALD we're talking about. Ella from her early years, recording for Decca Records. Oh the songs on this collection! Oh the memories! Every single song is fabulous and if you like music, you need to own this collection. Not just Jazz, not just Swing, not just Pop - but all Ella, all GREAT. Highly recommended.

John McLaughlin - After The Rain (1995) {Verve 314 527 467-2}
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Polydor / PolyGram / Verve | 314 527 467-2

British guitarist John McLaughlin's spiritual initiation into the American jazz scene came as a member of drummer Tony Williams' Lifetime–as futuristic an organ trio as you'd ever want to hear. During their two years together, Williams, McLaughlin … Full Descriptionand organist Larry Young scandalized the jazz and rock communities alike, yet what they documented on EMERGENCY and TURN IT OVER endures as a visionary paradigm of collective improvisation.

On AFTER THE RAIN, McLaughlin reintroduces the trio format (with Hammond organ wizard Joey DeFrancesco), and pays homage to one of his major influences, John Coltrane, by collaborating with Trane's legendary drummer, Elvin Jones. In "Afro Blue," McLaughlin's single-note phrasing and sudden rhythmic outbursts reflect his affinity for Trane's approach, while he performs the ballad "Naima" with tender understatement. The whole band really comes together on "Tones for Elvin Jones." DeFrancesco's voluble solo sets the pace, and McLaughlin responds with patient thematic development, until he finally whips out some trademark runs, rousing Jones to a fine emotional lather.

Recorded at Clinton Studios, New York on October 4-5, 1994.

Personnel: John McLaughlin (guitar); Joey DeFrancesco (Hammond B-3 organ); Elvin Jones (drums).