The Norgran Sessions: Hodges in His Element
Hodges and these Duke men knew exactly what they wanted to capture: intimate, swinging, unhurried.
In 1955, Johnny Hodges walked into the studio with a group of musicians who knew him inside and out — members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the ensemble where Hodges had made his name. The session wasn't about proving anything or chasing trends. This was a saxophonist at ease, surrounded by players who understood his language. Every note had time to breathe.
What ended up on the Norgran label was exactly what that session intended: playing that felt like a conversation among friends rather than a performance. Hodges brings his characteristic warmth to the alto saxophone — that creamy, round tone the album title references — and the surrounding musicians give him space to move. The arrangements are loose enough to swing but structured enough to matter. There's no filler here, no reaching for effect. These are skilled players doing what they do best without overthinking it.
Creamy sits somewhere between Hodges' small-group work and his larger Duke obligations, occupying a particular sweet spot. It's not experimental, it's not trying to sound like anything other than what it is. For listeners already comfortable with Hodges' sound, this is solid company — the kind of record you return to when you want something dependable. For newcomers, better albums like Johnny Hodges and the Ellington All-Stars offer a more comprehensive entry point, but Creamy deserves time as well.
Who's playing
Jimmy Woodedouble bass
Billy Strayhornpiano
Harry Carneybaritone saxophone, solo
Johnny Hodgesalto saxophone
Clark Terrytrumpet
Lawrence Browntrombone
Sonny Greerdrums
Jimmy Hamiltonclarinet
Where next?
More by Johnny Hodges
Back to Back: Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges Play the Blues 1959
3 Shades of Blue 1970
Everybody Knows 1964
Stride Right 1966
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
