Album Review: Hodges: Front and Center, Vol. 1, from Owen Broder

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Album:  Hodges: Front and Center, Vol. 1
Artist:  Owen Broder
Label:  Outside In Music
Website:  owenbroder.com
outsideinmusic.com
owenbroder.bandcamp.com
outsideinmusic.bandcamp.com

Hodges: Front and Center, Vol. 1 is Owen Broder's second album as a leader.  In its sonic passages, Broder pays tribute to iconic jazzman Johnny Hodges, who is best known for being a saxophonist for the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra.  Featuring Broder on saxophone and supported by Riley Mulherkar on trumpet, Carmen Staaf on piano, Barry Stephenson on bass, and Bryan Carter on drums, Broder explores Hodges' material in Ellington's band as well as his contributions outside the band. 


Broder's interpretation of nine of Hodges' melodies highlight the smooth waltzing style of the swing-imbued motifs and the bold and lyrical bebop-gilded improvisations. He refines the arrangements to a classic jazz shine, displaying a genuine tenderness for the warm human touch that the swing jazz form brings out in its performers.

The lulling raptures that Broder creates on his saxophone through "Ballade for the Very Sad and the Very Tired Lotus Eaters" are tactile, as if the comely aesthetics could physically touch the listener.  His spacious ruminations massage the aural senses, contoured by the brushed strokes of Carter's gentle drumming and the soft tremors of Staaf's keys with the wispy pumps of Stephenson's bass enhancing the torchlight ambience.  In contrast, the bopping beats of "Take the A Train" demonstrate Broder's penchant for swirling improvisations buoyed by a heated rhythmic beat.

The suave gait of Broder's saxophone traveling along "Just a Memory" coruscate a candlelight glow reminiscent of vintage swing.  Through the nostalgic dew of Carter's feather-light flutters on the drums and Stephenson's caressing bass throbs, misty silhouettes formed by Riley Mulherkar's trumpet are prominently outlined.  The chord patterns of "You Need To Rock" are well defined, projecting a jumping jive propulsion elegantly layered by the quintet.

Hodges: Front and Center, Vol. 1  is the follow-up to Broder's acclaimed 2018 debut, Heritage.  Offering his reimaginings of nine compositions associated with Hodges, Broder displays both respect for Hodges' material and an inclination for whimsical turns along the melodic motifs with a modern perspective.
 
Musicians:
Owen Broder - saxophone
Riley Mulherkar - trumpet
Carmen Staaf - piano
Barry Stephenson - bass
Bryan Carter - drums

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