Pianist
Art Hodes, one of the leading pianists during the revival years of classic jazz, is surprisingly strong during what would be his final recordings. Already in his mid-eighties,
Hodes (three years before his death) explores 13 familiar themes ranging from "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Royal Garden Blues" to "America the Beautiful." Six songs are duets with Jim Galloway on soprano.
Hodes also teams up with clarinetist
Kenny Davern for "Summertime." There are four trios with both horns and also two unaccompanied piano solos.
Hodes was a very consistent performer throughout his lengthy career and his last album (available as a 71-minute CD) is well worth hearing. ~ Scott Yanow