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My saxophone epiphany occurred one day long ago whilst listening to one of my dad's Duke Ellington records, I was suddenly awe-struck by the sound of alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. It was at that moment that I started saving money to buy my first alto sax. Over the years I based the concept of my sound on Hodges sound. Did I get there? Nope, not even close. But now, my sound is my own, and it's acceptable, at least from what I've been told.
Other than being known as a driving force and the major voice in the Ellington orchestra, Hodges has always been somewhat of a mystery man. A soloist that showed very little emotion while producing some of the most lush, emotional solos. Recently, a biography was published about Johnny and has helped enlighten me about my musical idol and has also prompted me to revisit his music. I have also decided to come full circle and come back to my musical roots. My plan is to devote my playing time to the melody and that pure bluesy tone I was seeking when I started playing.
Rabbit's Blues: https://artsfuse.org/187976/book-review-rabbits-blues-the-reserved-tenderness-of-johnny-hodges/
Other than being known as a driving force and the major voice in the Ellington orchestra, Hodges has always been somewhat of a mystery man. A soloist that showed very little emotion while producing some of the most lush, emotional solos. Recently, a biography was published about Johnny and has helped enlighten me about my musical idol and has also prompted me to revisit his music. I have also decided to come full circle and come back to my musical roots. My plan is to devote my playing time to the melody and that pure bluesy tone I was seeking when I started playing.
Rabbit's Blues: https://artsfuse.org/187976/book-review-rabbits-blues-the-reserved-tenderness-of-johnny-hodges/