Johnny Hodges - Don't Sleep In The Subway (Vinyl>flac)

Re-up from the old Crypt, never issued on CD this is from mono vinyl.

Review by Sinclair Traill, Jazz Journal, March, 1968:

“Albums by 'Rabbit' continue to roll off the line, the amazing thing is that despite this profusion of activity in the studios, the standard doesn't drop or lose interest. Johnny's playing is now obviously a saleable proposition with the general public, and yet he still manages to play as much jazz as he always did—the tone is without equal, ranging from a thoughtful probing of the ballads to a more stringent rollicking delivery on the swingers. The effortless control and cool lyricism are there as always and although he doesn't try anything new, it is just because he doesn't have to. Much of the real value in this album is the interesting, colourful scores provided by Jimmy Jones, who except for Some Fun, (arranged by Jimmy Hamilton) conducted the whole session. The writing, throwing up the thick textured ensembles, is exceedingly adroit, whilst the clean voicings for the sections is masterly and, as expected, very reminiscent of the arranging of Duke Ellington. Plenty of hot solo work peeps through, and in addition to Rab's contributions, there is some lovely trumpet playing to be heard from Ernie Royal. He solos on both trumpet and flugelhorn on the lively Heel Kickin' and plays a kind of running duet with Hodges on Wonder Of You. Everytime She Walks, Wisteria, and Subway (rather a tiresome tune, I find) feature the bluesy harmonica of Buddy Lucas. He inspires Hodges on Jimmy Jones' very attractive Walks, and provides a telling background to the pretty Wisteria. The playing time is a bit on the short side—pity!”

01 - Don't Sleep In The Subway
02 - The Wonder Of You
03 - Blues Serenade
04 - Everytime She Walks
05 - Wisteria
06 - Heel Kickin'
07 - You've Changed
08 - Some Fun
09 - Eydie-Dee Dee

Johnny Hodges (as) with band arranged and conducted by Jimmy Jones (full details in post)
NYC. August, 1967.