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About Juice A-plenty
2 LPs on 1 CD 24 BIT DIGITALLY REMASTERED STEREO Both albums collected here are delightful reminders not only of Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington's alter ego as composer and pianist, but also of one of the most beautiful jazz instrumental voices ever the alto saxophone of Johnny Hodges. The Duke doesn't appear on either album, but these big band settings are the Ellington orchestra in all but name. On 1961's "Johnny Hodges, Soloist. Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra", with Strayhorn conducting and Jimmy Jones at the piano, Hodges is the main soloist and in his hands the familiar repertoire emerges timeless and fresh. A great blues player, he shines on Jeep's Blues, Juice A-Plenty and Tailor Made, and he and the band stamp their nonpareil identity on the otherworldly voiced Azure and Day Dream. Trombonist Lawrence Brown, whose impeccable control and individuality matched Hodges', has several solo spots and a fine feature on Stardust. From 1958, "Billy Strayhorn!!! Live!!!" is a laid-back, let-your-hair-down affair with Strayhorn at the piano and the band swinging exultantly. Hodges surfs it like a master, notably on In a Mellow Tone, a robust Jeep's Blues, and swings immaculately on All of Me and On the Sunny Side of the Street. Also featured inimitably are Ray Nance, Shorty Baker and Harry Carney and the equally unique sound of the Ellington band in full cry.
