Johnny Hodges & Bill Wild Davis - Blue Pyramid (CD)

During the mid to late 1960s, along side his tenure with the great Duke Ellington Band, legendary Alto Saxophone pioneer Johnny Hodges was often found recording and gigging with the likewise legendary Hammond Organ pioneer Wild Bill Davis. There always seemed to be a kinship between these two gentlemen that was deeply rooted in the blues, and this album serves as a testament to that kinship. "Blue Pyramid" focuses on the blues and a blue feeling, even when the structure of the song is not exactly that 12 bar form. The mood of this semi-commercial, Creed Taylor-produced tour-de-force immediately takes us into that deeply rhythmic yet forlorn vibe, whereby we can virtually taste the drip of succulent soul, portrayed by Hodges/Davis, Incorporated. Ellington rehearsal pianist and oft-accompanist Jimmy Jones provides the arrangements, while Ellingtonians Lawrence Brown and Jimmy Hamilton furnish us with just enough Ducal familiarity to reassure us we are home, in spite of the "60's rocking" treatments of the tunes. We even get a taste of Johnny Hodges' son, Johnny Brother Hodges on drums. The selections range from Ellington to Hodges and Davis originals, and this septet captures the essence of swinging and singing.