Art Hodes, born Arthur W. Hodes on November 14, 1904, in Ukraine, is recognized as one of the stalwarts of traditional jazz and blues piano. He grew up in Chicago, where he was deeply influenced by the booming jazz scene of the 1920s. Hodes's musical journey was marked by his commitment to the classic jazz style, even as musical tastes evolved. Throughout his career, which spanned over seven decades, Art Hodes maintained a robust, earthy playing technique that drew from ragtime and early New Orleans jazz traditions. His style was both assertive and expressive, often marked by a strong left-hand stride and embellishments that reflected his admiration for jazz pianists such as Jelly Roll Morton and Bessie Smith, with whom he also performed.

Hodes's recording career was extensive and involved stints with numerous labels; his discography is a testament to his influence and legacy within the genre. His works such as "Slow and Easy Mama! - The Art Hodes Trio & Quartets," "Selections from the Gutter," and "Sweet Lorraine" capture the essence of his piano prowess. Albums like "I Remember Bessie" pay homage to the greats he respected and often collaborated with, while his later work like "Hodes, Art: Final Sessions (The)" offers a poignant glimpse into the pianist's enduring talent. His contributions to jazz were not only as a performer but also as an educator and writer, helping to preserve the legacy of traditional jazz through his articulate musings and teachings. Art Hodes passed away on March 4, 1993, but the soulful echoes of his music continue to reverberate in the halls of classic jazz history.

Genres

Stride

Latest Release

Slow and Easy Mama! - The Art Hodes Trio & Quartets

Art Hodes

Album - 17 Tracks - Released August 25, 2020