Art Hodes

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).

He remained an educator and writer in jazz.

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

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