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.
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Johnny Hodges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn't bear it without you
Don't get around much anymore
Though I'd visit the club
Got as far as the door
They'd have asked me about you
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for?
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
Don't get around much anymore
In Johnny Hodges's song Don't Get Around Much Anymore, the lyrics explore a sense of loneliness and longing for someone who is no longer present. The first stanza talks about missing the popular Saturday dance and hearing about the crowded floor. This imagery brings to mind a vibrant and lively atmosphere, but it is one that the singer cannot bear without their loved one. The repetition of the phrase "Don't get around much anymore" emphasizes the point that the singer is no longer actively participating in this social scene.
The second stanza mentions the club, where the singer may have gone to in the past, but they would always be asked about their missing partner. This suggests that the absence of the loved one is not only felt by the singer, but it is also noticed by their peers. The third stanza is more contemplative, with the singer acknowledging that their mind is more at ease without their loved one but still cannot help stirring up memories. The final stanza mentions being invited on dates but without the presence of the loved one, it would be "awf'lly diff'rent."
Overall, the song captures the sense of void and emptiness that comes with the absence of someone who was a significant part of one's life. The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they convey a depth of emotion that makes it easy for listeners to connect and empathize with the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Missed the Saturday dance
I didn't go to the dance that took place on Saturday
Heard they crowded the floor
I've heard that the dance floor was really crowded
Couldn't bear it without you
I didn't want to go to the dance without you
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out very often anymore
Though I'd visit the club
I was planning to go to the club
Got as far as the door
I went as far as the entrance
They'd have asked me about you
I knew that people would ask me about you if I went inside
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out very often anymore
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
I feel more relaxed and comfortable
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
However, I don't want to bring up old memories
Been invited on dates
I have received invitations to go out on dates
Might have gone but what for?
I could have gone, but I didn't see the point
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
It's very different without you
Don't get around much anymore
I don't go out very often anymore
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Bob Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tom Gimbel
Stunningly sublime.
boomerang905
All of the Masters who played with Duke Ellington had a similar tone to their horns. So beautiful. 💿💿💿💿
Ronaldo Benvenga - Quinta Avenida
Just marvelous, fantastic!
Jerry Johnson
July 25th: Happy birthday Jazz/Swing Alto saxophonist Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges (1907-1970)-Thank you and God bless. RIP.....my Monday "Soul Heaven" on FB playlist, paying homage to Johnny Hodges with a few of his solo performances; thank you, All That Jazz Don Kaart for the upload of this beautiful rendition. Blessings....
Marilyn Harris
"I don't care HOW long it takes for me to slide up to that note, I'm gonna get there, and you're gonna LIKE it!" :-) ♥ ♫♬ XO - M
Henri de Lagardère
Hey, it's Mister Saturday Dance!
Addison Hopwood
missed the*