Review by Choice Review
The great alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges (nicknamed Rabbit) was the best known of the outstanding soloists in Duke Ellington's band from practically the time he joined the group in 1928 until his death in 1970. (Ellington died in 1974.) During that time, Hodges left only for about five years beginning in 1951, when he led his own small group. He returned to Ellington in 1956, and the complicted but highly successful relationship between the two continued until the end. Hodges was, and is, highly acclaimed as a nonpareil interpreter of romantic ballads--many of those written by Ellington's alter-ego and Hodges' close friend Billy Strayhorn--and as a superb blues player. His private life was just that: private. Chapman collected as much about Hodges as is likely to be compiled some 50 years after his death. The presentation is largely chronological, but with asides about Hodges's musical style, family, habits, and even preferences in dining and drinking. Many recordings are addressed, but largely non-judgmentally. In contrast to most jazz biographies, this one includes literary references to writers as diverse as Aristotle and T. S. Eliot. A valuable resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers. --Kurt R. Dietrich, emeritus, Ripon College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This is the first biography of Duke Ellington's brilliant alto saxophonist, Johnny Rabbit Hodges. After a witty prologue detailing the discrepancies in Hodges' particulars his real surname (Hodge versus Hodges), his birth date Chapman delves into census reports and other reminiscences to sort these out. Hodges' taciturnity and sense of privacy leave Chapman unable to fill all the gaps, and, as a result, the book is much stronger on the music than on the life. From his youth, as Chapman shows, Hodges was strongly influenced by Sidney Bechet, and, as an altoist, he was often compared to Willie Smith and Benny Carter. Charlie Bird Parker came along later and revolutionized jazz, but, in regard to his exceptionally sensual and unique tone, Rabbit remains supreme. Chapman also explores Hodges' close working relationship with Billy Strayhorn, both in the Duke Ellington orchestra and in smaller groups, where Hodges worked with other Ellington band members (such as tenor man Ben Webster and childhood friend Harry Carney). Hodges' decline is discussed, but the emphasis remains on his beautiful recorded music.--Mark Levine Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Music writer Chapman (the American Bystander; the Boston Herald) offers the first full-length biography of saxophone legend Johnny "Rabbit" Hodges, who seduced audiences with his vibrato and bluesy sliding from note to note. In brief chapters, mostly arranged chronologically, the author describes Hodges's childhood and first professional forays into jazz. Chapman understandably spends most of the book on Hodges's more than 50 years performing in jazz legend Duke Ellington's big band. The saxophonist's tenure started in 1928, lasted until his death in 1970, and was interrupted only by a four-year solo career in the 1950s. A few chapters scattered throughout delve into Hodges's personal life, including his wives, children, and favorite foods. Though unearthing little new material, the author provides a workmanlike, detailed, but concise biography of a much-neglected jazz luminary and his times. VERDICT For jazz enthusiasts and those curious about Hodges.--David P. Szatmary, formerly with Univ. of Washington, Seattle
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Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
