(65) “Come Sunday” and Johnny Hodges

Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 3 

Johnny "Rabbit" Hodges was a master of the alto saxophone, renowned for his expressive solos and smooth, emotive tone. A central figure in Duke Ellington's Orchestra, Hodges was instrumental in shaping the "Ellington sound," with memorable contributions to ballads and blues, such as his work on "Prelude to a Kiss" and "I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good." While often overshadowed by Ellington's legacy, Hodges' influence on future alto saxophonists, including Charlie Parker, is undeniable. "Come Sunday," a ballad composed by Duke Ellington, is a perfect showcase for Hodges' delicate phrasing and vibrato. The song’s straightforward melody, rich with emotional depth, allows Hodges to express the soulful quality that defined his playing. His ability to convey feeling through subtle nuances in tone and phrasing is exemplified in his rendition of "Come Sunday," a beautiful moment within the larger context of Ellington's visionary work.

Duke Ellington

Eric Dolphy 

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