Before diving in to my review of Art Hodes's Up in Volly's Room, I must disclose a personal connection to the late Chicago-based jazz pianist.
Back in high school in the mid 80s, I developed an interest in jazz. Since my father played guitar, bass, and drums, I grew up listening to it constantly, whether on his stereo or him playing various standards. One of my father's coworkers (and a close family friend), also a jazz fanatic, learned of my desire to delve into jazz history. He began taping various classic albums (yes, this was the era of the “mix tape”) from his considerable collection, educating me about the big band era, vocalese, and some modern jazz. In my senior year, he gave me a very special gift: an Art Hodes LP, Someone to Watch Over Me, autographed by Hodes himself. At the time I knew little about the pianist, but understood this was a special present, as my friend knew Hodes and had him personalize the album for me. Someone to Watch Over Me, a live recording from 1981, featured Hodes at his best: just him playing standards in front of an intimate crowd. The LP holds a special place in my music library, as it reminds me of Hodes but also of a good friend who was one of my great music teachers.
Born in Russia in 1904, immigrating to Chicago while still an infant, Hodes grew up listening to Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong, later becoming a tireless supporter of traditional jazz. Although Hodes died in 1993, his music is kept alive via Delmark reissues, most recently with Up in Volly's Room. A jam session with veteran traditional jazz musicians Barrett Deems (drums), Volly Defaut (clarinet), Truck Parham (bass), and (on two songs) Nappy Trottier (trumpet) and George Brunis (trombone), the album serves as a love letter to New Orleans jazz and blues. Up in Volly's Room is a testament to Hodes' great love for the genre, particularly with the presence of Defaut, a former member of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings who also recorded with Morton and other legends. Originally released in 1972, the album also served as Defaut's last recording, as he passed away one year later.
Article comments