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