Recorded in 1970 over two dates in March for the Flying Dutchman label, the album showcased the alto saxophonist with a powerhouse band and, on three tracks, vocalist Leon Thomas.
The tracks that were recorded on March 16 featured Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker and Snooky Young (tp); Al Grey, Quentin Jackson, Garnett Brown and Tom Mitchell (tb); Johnny Hodges (as); Bob Ashton, Jerome Richardson, Danny Bank, Jerry Dodgion and Joe Farrell (reeds); Hank Jones (p); Ron Carter (b); Grady Tate (d) and Oliver Nelson (arr,cond).
The tracks recorded on March 19 featured a few changes: Frank Wess (reeds) replaced Joe Farrell; Earl Hines (p) replaced Hank Jones; David Spinozza (g) and Leon Thomas (vcl) added.
- Empty Ballroom Blues
- Duke's Place
- Echoes of Harlem
- Disillusion Blues
- Yearning
- Welcome to New York
- Black, Brown and Beautiful
- Rockin' in Rhythm
- Creole Love Call
- It's Glory
Johnny Hodges died in May 1970; Oliver Nelson died in 1975.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Johnny Hodges's 3 Shades of Blue here.
JazzWax clips: Here's the full album, without ads...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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