Not So Dukish
Johnny Hodges · 1958
38 min · 8 tracks · jazz
Lush saxophone melodies intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating a sophisticated yet accessible jazz experience.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Not So Dukish — The title track exemplifies Hodges' smooth saxophone tone and intricate phrasing, blending sophistication with an engaging rhythm that captivates listeners.
-
→
Preacher Blues — This track showcases Hodges' ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument, highlighting bluesy undertones that resonate within the jazz genre.
-
→
Central Park Swing — A lively composition that captures the essence of New York City's vibrant jazz scene, reflecting Hodges' playful and energetic musical spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHodges blends traditional jazz with his unique saxophone style, creating engaging and distinct instrumental pieces.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush saxophone melodies that dominate each track, often accompanied by a rhythm section that emphasizes swing.
- Tracks like 'Not So Dukish' showcase intricate interplay between the saxophone and piano, creating a dialogue rather than a solo performance.
- The overall tempo varies, with several tracks maintaining an upbeat feel while others slow down to create contrast, particularly towards the end.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate improvisations for attentive listeners
- vibrant melodies for lively gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- smooth sounds for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive journeys
- prefer straightforward, repetitive structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Not So Dukish' was released in 1958, Johnny Hodges had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, particularly through his long tenure with Duke Ellington's orchestra. This album marked a significant point in his solo career, showcasing his rich sound and improvisational prowess after years of collaboration with one of jazz's most iconic bandleaders.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Webster· Coleman Hawkins· Lester Young
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 M.H.R. 6:08
- 2 Broadway Babe 2:49
- 3 Three and Six 2:28
- 4 Not So Dukish 8:04
- 5 Central Park Swing 3:29
- 6 Preacher Blues 8:39
- 7 Jeep Bounced Back 3:42
- 8 The Last Time I Saw Paris 3:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.