Recorded on July 9th, 1986, this 12 track album features the solo piano of Art Hodes and features the songs Glad to Be Here - Squeeze Me - 42nd Street - the Pearls - Summertime - How Long Blues - Beale Street Blues - Grandpa's Spells - St. James Infirmary - Sweet Georgia Brown - Tennessee Waltz.
The title refers to the first Chicago jazz clarinetist Volly DeFaut, a former member of the famous New Orleans Rhythm Kings, who also recorded with Jelly Roll Morton, Muggsy Spanier and the Gene Goldkette Orchestra. Russian-born jazz pianist Art Hodes is the leader for these 1972 recordings which also feature Truck Parham, bass; Barrett Deems, drums; and on two songs Nappy Trottier, trumpet and George Brunis, trombone. Volly DeFaut passed away in 1973 making these his very last recordings. (Previously deleted:12/1/04. Original release date:7/22/93)
Art Hodes' career as a pianist (and journalist) started in the 1920s & continued into the 1990s - eight decades! He recorded for Decca, Mercury, as well as what he liked to call "the modest labels." These blues-drenched solo piano performances celebrate the music of jazz' greats, many of who Art knew well, including Louis Armstrong. Part of Delmark's Euphonic series, this album was recorded in 1976 & 1978. 13 of the 15 songs are previously unissued performances.
Pianist Art Hodes' career lasted eight decades, starting in the late 20s and continuing into the 90s. Friar's Inn, near Van Buren and Wabash, was where the legendary New Orleans Rhythm Kings played Chicago in the early 20s. Their series of classic recordings for Gennett ushered in the early Chicago decade of jazz recordings. Hodes had long wanted to do a recording in honor of that early group and brought George Brunis and Volly DeFaut, both members of NORK in the 20s, to the studio for this 1972 session. On CD for the first time, this release features Barney Bigard and Barrett Deems.
The second installment of Art Hodes' recordings for the Euphonic label this contains another hour of inspired piano solos from the legend who's been described as a blues drenched jazz pianist. Hodes (1904-93) was active in the '20s so this is music played by a guy who was there when Bessie Smith was alive and recording. On this 1976 session he pays tribute to the great blues vocalist Bessie Smith. Contains the 12 songs from the original LP plus unissued tracks including St. Louis Blues After You've Gone Cakewalkin' Babies from Home & Pallet on the Floor.
