Blues A-Plenty LP

Johnny Hodges' 1958 effort, Blues A-Plenty, wades through an exquisite tension between swagger and subtlety. His alto sax doesn't merely aim for jazz virtuosity; it takes on the bravado of an all-star ensemble, including titans like Ben Webster and Roy Eldridge, pulling off a neat trick of almost vanishing in the reflection of their talent. The album elegantly unravels under the weight of collaboration, where Hodges' understated prowess against overwhelming star power evokes a nuanced dance between ego and artistry.