Hodges was apparently aware of this effect, leaving the Ellington orchestra in the 1950's, to be replaced by the stellar alto man, Willie Smith, formerly the lead alto star of the Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. This situation somehow benefitted neither Ellington or Hodges, with the Ellington orchestra losing a certain luster despite Mr. Smith's excellence, and with major stardom just beyond Mr. Hodges' reach.
Luckily for the listener the recordings Mr. Hodges left behind as a leader, while arguably eluding stardom for the artist at the time, are nonpareil examples of relaxed swing, subtle inflection and perfect phrasing, peerless tone and seemingly effortless technique. More luck for the listener, Mr. Hodges later rejoined the Ellington fold, returning a signature sound to the orchestra's unique palette for many years after.
It has been reported that the Ellington orchestra worked nearly 365 days a year. When asked about this grueling schedule Mr. Ellington said something to the effect that he would settle for nothing less than the finest artists for his orchestra. What with the necessarily high salaries accorded an orchestra of virtuosos, the band had to work often in order to survive. Certainly no one in the Ellington orchestra more exemplified Mr. Ellington's highest standards than Johhny Hodges.
Azure
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
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In an Azure mood,
Stardust gleamin'
Thru my solitude:
Here in my seclusion,
You're a blue illusion
While I'm in this Azure interlude.
I'm not wanted I'm so all alone;
By the dreams I own;
But, though Im tormented
I must be contented
Driftin' Dreamin'
In an Azure mood!
Driftin' Dreamin'
In an Azure mood,
Star dust gleamin'
Thru my solitude:
Here in my seclusion,
You're a blue illusion
While I'm in this Azure interlude!
The lyrics of "Azure" by Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn describe a state of mind that is influenced by feelings of isolation and loneliness. The singer is lost in their own thoughts, in a state of dreaming, and is wrapped up in the blue atmosphere that surrounds them. There is a sense of longing for something or someone, but the singer is resigned to their solitude, and while feeling tormented, they find some measure of contentment in their drifting, dreaming state.
The use of the color blue throughout the song could be interpreted as a metaphor for the feeling of melancholy, as it is often associated with emotions such as depression and sadness. The word "azure" itself means a bright blue color often associated with the sky or the ocean. This color is used to create a sense of calmness and serenity in the midst of the singer's turbulent thoughts.
Overall, "Azure" is a beautifully melancholic song that captures the feeling of introspection, solitude, and longing. The lyrics convey a deep sense of emotion that is enhanced by the soothing melody and instrumentation.
Line by Line Meaning
Driftin' Dreamin'
I am aimlessly wandering around, lost in my thoughts and daydreams
In an Azure mood,
Feeling a sense of calm and peace, like being surrounded by a clear blue sky
Stardust gleamin'
A feeling of hope and possibility shining through
Thru my solitude:
Even though I am alone, these feelings are still present
Here in my seclusion,
In my isolation, the only thing present is my own imagination and thoughts
You're a blue illusion
The object of my daydreams is an idealized image and may not exist in reality
While I'm in this Azure interlude.
During this time of calm, I am free to indulge in my own thoughts and feelings
I'm not wanted I'm so all alone;
Feeling unimportant and disconnected from others
Always haunted
Unable to escape from recurring negative thoughts and emotions
By the dreams I own;
Haunted by the dreams of a better life I have created for myself
But, though Im tormented
Even though I am suffering internally
I must be contented
I have to find a way to be happy and satisfied with myself and my life
Driftin' Dreamin'
Continuing to daydream and think aimlessly
In an Azure mood!
Continuing to feel calm, peaceful, and lost in my own thoughts
Driftin' Dreamin'
Continuing to daydream and think aimlessly
In an Azure mood,
Continuing to feel calm, peaceful, and lost in my own thoughts
Star dust gleamin'
Continuing to feel a sense of hope and possibility shining through
Thru my solitude:
And still, even though I am alone, these feelings are present
Here in my seclusion,
Continuing to indulge in my own imagination and thoughts
You're a blue illusion
Recognizing that the object of my daydreams is an idealized image and may not exist in reality
While I'm in this Azure interlude!
And still, during this time of calm, I am free to indulge in my own thoughts and feelings
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Cloud9
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind