Johnny Hodges And His Orchestra – The "Rabbit"

Johnny Hodges And His Orchestra – The "Rabbit"

The "Rabbit" is a superb four-track 1950s jazz EP showcasing the unmistakable alto saxophone sound of Johnny Hodges, the legendary Ellington sideman whose lyrical, blues-inflected playing made him one of the defining voices of the swing era. This UK Vogue Records 7" 45 RPM EP, released in 1955, brings together four performances from Hodges' celebrated Paris recordings.

Hodges, nicknamed “Rabbit”, was one of the most important members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, joining Ellington in 1928 and becoming a key soloist in the band's sound. His beautifully controlled tone, elegant phrasing and ability to move effortlessly between delicate ballad playing and hard-swinging improvisation made him one of jazz's most recognisable alto saxophonists.

The recordings featured here were made in Paris in April and June 1950, during Hodges' extended stay in Europe. The sessions brought together an impressive group of musicians, including tenor saxophonist Don Byas, trumpeter Harold Baker, trombonist Quentin Jackson, pianist Raymond Fol, bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Sonny Greer, with personnel varying between the sessions.

The EP opens with “Hop, Skip And Jump,” a lively Hodges original with an infectious swing feel, followed by “Perdido,” the Juan Tizol/Duke Ellington standard that had become a major jazz vehicle for improvisation. On Side B, Hodges turns to two enduring standards: “Mood Indigo,” closely associated with Ellington's repertoire, and “Sweet Lorraine,” a classic jazz ballad that gives Hodges plenty of space to demonstrate his warm, vocal-like tone.

There is a fascinating historical dimension to The "Rabbit". These Paris sessions came at a pivotal point in Hodges' career, shortly before the recordings that would further establish him as a major bandleader in his own right. Contemporary jazz writing has particularly praised the quality of the improvisation on these European recordings, while later reissues have preserved them as important examples of Hodges' work outside the Ellington orchestra.

For collectors of Johnny Hodges vinyl, Duke Ellington, vintage jazz EPs, 1950s Vogue Records and classic swing, this is an especially attractive little release. Its compact four-track format makes it an excellent introduction to Hodges' solo work, while the combination of jazz standards and Hodges originals showcases precisely why his playing remained so influential.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Hop, Skip And Jump
2. Perdido

Side B

1. Mood Indigo
2. Sweet Lorraine