Arthur W. Hodes (November 14, 1904 – March 4, 1993), was a Russian-born American jazz and blues pianist. He is regarded by many critics as the greatest white blues pianist.

Biography

Hodes was born in Nikolaev, in the Russian Empire (now Mykolaiv, Ukraine). His family settled in Chicago, Illinois, when he was a few months old. His career began in Chicago clubs, but he did not gain wider attention until moving to New York City in 1938. In New York, he played with Sidney Bechet, Joe Marsala, and Mezz Mezzrow.

Later, Hodes founded his own band in the 1940s and it would be associated with his hometown of Chicago. He and his band played mostly in that area for the next forty years. In the late 1960s, Hodes starred in a series of TV shows on Chicago style jazz called Jazz Alley, where he appeared with musicians such as Pee Wee Russell and Jimmy McPartland. Episodes of the show have been released on DVD.

Hodes was editor of the magazine, The Jazz Record, for five years in the 1940s.

He remained an educator and writer in jazz. During this period of his life and into the 1970s, Hodes resided in south suburban Park Forest, Illinois. He played as a member of the Hot Three with vibraphonist Don DeMicheal and clarinetist Kenny Davern.

He toured the UK in 1987, recording with drummer John Petters. In 1988, he visited Ireland to appear at the Cork Jazz Festival with Petters and Wild Bill Davison. A tour, the Legends of American Dixieland, followed in May 1989 with the same line-up.

Other musicians he played and recorded with included Louis Armstrong, Wingy Manone, Gene Krupa, Muggsy Spanier, Joe Marsala, Mezz Mezzrow, Sidney Bechet, Kenny Davern, Albert Nicholas, Wild Bill Davison, Barney Bigard, and Vic Dickenson.

In 1998, he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

Ethan Iverson wrote an article on Hodes, "Selections from the Gutter", which includes a transcription of Hodes's first 78, "Ross Tavern Boogie".

Hodes died in March 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, at the age of 88.

Quotation

Discography As leader/co-leader Year recorded Title Label Notes1944Apex BluesJazzologyTrio, with Mezz Mezzrow (clarinet), Danny Alvin (drums); in concert1961?Cat on the KeysConcert-Disc w/ Milt Grosz, Eddie Burleton, Truck Parham & Freddie Kohlman1965And His All-Star StompersJazzologyWith Larry Conger (trumpet), Charlie Bornemann (trombone), Tony Parenti (clarinet), Johnny Haynes (bass), Cliff Leeman (drums)1968Bucket's Got A Hole In ItDelmarkWith Barney Bigard (clarinet and co-leader), Rail Wilson (bass), Barrett Deems (drums) - Nap Trottier (trumpet) and George Brunis (trombone) on some tracks1971Recollections from the PastSolo ArtSolo piano, plus narration1971Art For Art's SakeJazzology1972Up in Volly's RoomDelmarkWith Nappy Trottier (trumpet), George Brunis (trombone), Volly DeFaut (clarinet), Truck Parham (bass), Barrett Deems (drums)1976?I Remember BessieEuphonicreissued by Delmark1973Selections From The GutterStoryville Records1977Indianapolis ConcertSolo ArtDuo, with Herb Guy (bass); in concert1976–78Tribute to the GreatsEuphonicSolo piano; reissued by Delmark1978Echoes of ChicagoJazzologyWith full ensemble1978Art Hodes and the Magnolia Jazz Band, Volume OneGHB1978Art Hodes and the Magnolia Jazz Band, Volume TwoGHB1980 When Music Was MusicEuphonic Sound Recordings1981Blues to Save the TreesL + RSome tracks solo piano; some tracks trio, with Reimer Von Essen (clarinet), Trevor Richards (drums)1981Someone to Watch Over Me, "Live at Hanratty's"MuseSolo piano1983South Side MemoriesSackvilleSolo piano1983At Cafe Des CopainsSolo ArtSolo piano; in concert1985Blues in the NightSackvilleSolo piano1986Glad to Be HereSolo ArtSolo piano1986Art Hodes Jazz TrioJazzologyWith Trevor Whiting (reeds), John Petters (drums), Dave Bennett (vocals)1987Art Hodes TrioJazzologyTrio, with Reimer Von Essen (clarinet, alto sax), Trevor Richards (drums)1987Art Hodes Blue Five and SixJazzologyWith Al Fairweather and Pat Halcox (trumpet), Wally Fawkes (clarinet), Fapy Lafertin (guitar), Andy Brown (bass), Dave Evans and Stan Greig (drums), Johnny Mars (vocals)1987?Joy to the Jazz WorldParkwoodSolo piano1988Pagin' Mr. JellyCandidSolo piano1988Something Personal Alone With FriendsDawn Club 77-SeriesSolo piano1988Keepin' out of Mischief NowCandidSolo pianoTogether AgainCMJ with Wild Bill Davison & John PettersSensationCMJwith John Petters & Trevor WhitingCoalitionJazzologyWith Wild Bill Davison (cornet), Campbell Burnap (trombone), Dave Bailey (clarinet), Keith Donald (bass), John Peters (drums)

Compilations Vintage Art Hodes (Jazzology, 1930–50) Sessions at Blue Note (1944) The Jazz Record Story (Jazzology, 1943–46) The Duets (Solo Art, 1969–77) The Parkwood Creative Concept Sessions, Volume I (Parkwood, 1987–89)

Side appearances Sidney Bechet, 1940s, early 1950s recordings on Blue Note Baby Dodds, 1940s recordings on Blue Note Mezz Mezzrow, Mezz Mezzrow And His Band, Blue Note, 1952 Tony Parenti and His New Orleanians, Tony Parenti and His New Orleanians Jazzology, 1958 Albert Nicholas, All-Star Stompers, Delmark, 1964

References

External links Selections From the Gutter (Art Hodes) "Selections from the Gutter," article by Ethan Iverson Art Hodes papers, Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers University Libraries