Owen Broder – Hodges, Front and Center, Vol. 2 – Outside in Music

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 4, 2024 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

Album Cover for Owen Broder, Johnny Hodges, Vol. 2

Another brilliant Johnny Hodges tribute from Owen Broder…

Owen Broder – Hodges, Front and Center, Vol. 2 – Outside in Music #OIM 24022 – vinyl – (Street date – 4/19/24) – *****

(Owen Broder – alto and baritone sax; Riley Mulherkar – trumpet; Carmen Staaf – piano; Barry Stephenson – bass; Bryan Carter – drums)

When we last reviewed saxophonist Owen Broder’s first tribute to Johnny Hodges in November, 2022, we were told that a second volume was “in the works.” Happily, the time has arrived, and Broder is once again enticing us Johnny Hodges fanatics with a second volume, showcasing his exquisite “Rabbit” like tone and timbre. Once again, Owen’s quintet features the same artists he had the first time around: trumpeter, Riley Mulherkar; pianist, Carmen Staaf; bassist Barry Stephenson; and drummer, Bryan Carter.

For Vol. 2, Owen has included more tracks (four) written by Hodges himself, as well as standards from Duke Ellington (for whom Johnny was lead altoist for many decades), and other blues staples associated with Hodges during his long career. Johnny Hodges was a master balladeer, and his mastery of vibrato, and slurring of notes on blues based compositions made him a favorite alto saxophonist of many (count me in…)

Broder both arranged and produced this issue, and once again it is a labor of love. It’s not a copy-cat rote exercise, and the group has opportunities to improvise, especially on “Stompy Jones.” Trumpeter, Riley Mulherkar (formerly of The Westerlies), is an able mate for Owen and takes on the Hodges role on “Back Beat,” and “Shady Side,” while Owen is on baritone sax, reprising the Hodges and Gerry Mulligan duo of 1960 (Gerry Mulligan Meets Johnny Hodges).

Pianist, Carmen Staaf, is given the weighty role of channeling Duke Ellington’s lines throughout the album, and more than holds her own, with a deft touch and swings the blues, backing the horns. Bassist, Barry Stephenson, and drummer, Bryan Carter, are given solo time on “Big Smack,” and “Stompy Jones.”

It’s the pairing of Riley and Owen that stands out the most. Riley “answers” in counterpoint on “Used to Be Duke,” and their blend often brings a sensuality that exceeds an “R” rating. A highlight for me is “Shady Side,” taken at a stroll, dripping with emotion, with both men blowing blues solos that would raise the temperature in the bedroom, if you catch my drift…

On “Stompy Jones,” Owen blows in the upper register, while Riley goes NOLA gut bucket on his trumpet. This superb issue closes with the Strayhorn/Ellington composition, “The Star-Crossed Lovers,” a drop dead gorgeous ballad, and as Owen works his Hodges’ magic, all is well with the world.

This LP will hit the streets on April 19th, and will be available in a digital format as well. It’s a “must-have” purchase for Hodges fans, and those who need to discover the talents of Owen Broder. I don’t want to appear greedy, but I am already anxious for Vol. 3.

—Jeff Krow