DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #177: Krum Elbow Blues

Here is another blues, although the song is much faster than the one from last week and works great for Lindy Hop.

Johnny Hodges

Scott Yanow writes:

Possessor of the most beautiful tone ever heard in jazz, altoist Johnny Hodges (July 25, 1906 – Mai 11, 1970) formed his style early on and had little reason to change it through the decades.
Although he could stomp with the best swing players and was masterful on the blues, Hodges' luscious playing on ballads has never been topped.
He played drums and piano early on before switching to soprano sax when he was 14. Hodges was taught and inspired by Sidney Bechet, although he soon used alto as his main ax; he would regretfully drop soprano altogether after 1940.
His early experiences included playing with Lloyd Scott, Chick Webb, Luckey Roberts, and Willie “The Lion” Smith (1924), and he also had the opportunity to work with Bechet.
However, Johnny Hodges' real career began in 1928 when he joined Duke Ellington‘s orchestra. He quickly became one of the most important solo stars in the band and a real pacesetter on alto; Benny Carter was his only close competition in the 1930s.
Hodges was featured on a countless number of performances with Ellington and also had many chances to lead recording dates with Ellington's sidemen.
He was an indispensable member of Ellington's orchestra in the 1930s and '40s. It was therefore a shock, in 1951, when he decided to leave Duke Ellington and lead a band of his own.
He had a quick hit but his combo ended up struggling and breaking up in 1955.
Hodges' return to Duke Ellington was a joyous occasion and he never really left again.
Johnny Hodges, whose unchanging style always managed to sound fresh, was still with Duke Ellington when he suddenly died in 1970.

Source: Allmusic

Krum Elbow Blues

The song was written by Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges.

I love that dirty sound!

Personnel:
Cootie Williams – trumpet
Lawrence Brown – trombone
Johnny Hodges – alto sax
Otto Hardwicke – clarinet, alto sax
Harry Carney – baritone sax
Duke Ellington – piano
Billy Taylor – bass
Sonny Greer – drums

Title: Krum Elbow Blues
Artist: Johnny Hodges & His Orchestra
Recorded: August 24, 1938, NYC
Tempo: 148 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop