3 Shades Of Blue – Johnny Hodges With Oliver Nelson And Leon Thomas – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

Few albums capture the elegance and depth of post-Ellington jazz quite like ‘3 Shades Of Blue.’ Alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges, whose lyricism defined Duke Ellington’s orchestra, finds a perfect foil in arranger Oliver Nelson. Nelson’s orchestrations here are sophisticated yet warm, framing Hodges’s golden-toned sax with vibrant, textured backdrops. Leon Thomas, known for his spiritual, yodel-inflected vocals, adds a distinctive hue, blending seamlessly with the ensemble. The album doesn’t just revisit Ellington’s legacy; it extends it, reimagining classics with fresh harmonic ideas and a contemporary rhythmic sensibility of early 1970s jazz. Every track is steeped in personality—Hodges’s phrasing remains as sighing and expressive as ever, while Nelson’s arrangements shimmer with subtlety. Thomas’s vocals on select tracks are both earthy and ethereal, introducing an unexpected, emotive edge. For collectors and jazz aficionados, ‘3 Shades Of Blue’ is a testament to collaboration across generations. It is a snapshot of jazz in transition: reverent of its roots, yet eager to explore new territory. This record is not just a listening experience—it’s a masterclass in nuance, interplay, and the enduring power of the blues in jazz.

Track List:
A1 – Empty Ballroom Blues – 4:54
A2 – Duke´s Place – 3:35
A3 – Echoes Of Harlem – 4:20
A4 – Disillusion Blues – 3:56
A5 – Yearning – 5:20
B1 – Welcome To New York – 4:10
B2 – Black, Brown And Beautiful – 3:50
B3 – Rockin´ In Rhythm – 3:09
B4 – Creole Love Call – 4:56
B5 – It´s Glory – 2:55