Johnny Hodges
' small group dates for various
Norman Granz
-owned labels (
Norgran
,
Clef
, and
Verve
) pleased fans of
Duke Ellington
, due in part to the frequent presence of fellow sideman from the band. The 1955
Creamy
session is no exception, with
Clark Terry
(trumpet and fluegelhorn), baritone saxophonist
Harry Carney
, clarinetist
Jimmy Hamilton
(who doubles on tenor sax), and trombonist
Lawrence Brown
joining
Hodges
in the front line. The rhythm section consists of
Billy Strayhorn
, bassist
Jimmy Woode
, and drummer
Sonny Greer
. In addition to a long
ballad
medley with individual features for each player (except for
Greer
), the remainder of the date is devoted to originals by
or
Strayhorn
, along with
"Scufflin',"
an impromptu-sounding swinger credited to the alto saxophonist's wife,
Cue Hodges
. While there are no real surprises anywhere on this record, it is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden