The paths of Johnny Hodges (John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges, nicknames: "Rab… Read Full Bio ↴The paths of Johnny Hodges (John Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges, nicknames: "Rabbit", "Jeep". b. July 25, 1907, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, d. May 11, 1970) and Duke Ellington are eternally intertwined. While Hodges is now universally acknowledged as one of the seminal alto saxophonists in jazz he was, at times, overlooked as an artist in his own right; somehow hidden in the penumbra of The Duke Ellington Orchestra, for which Mr. Hodges was the lead alto player for many decades (doubling on soprano saxophone in the '30's and '40's as well).

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.

Jam Blues
Johnny Hodges Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baby, take me down to Duke's place
Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Love that piano sound in Duke's place
Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place

Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat

You look around and yell waiter

You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up
You're jetting along with your girlie
It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
If you've never been to Duke's place

Take your tootsies into Duke's place
Life is in a spin in Duke's place

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Hodges's song C Jam Blues are an invitation to experience the lively and exciting atmosphere of Duke's place, a jazz club known for its wild music and entertainment. The singer urges his beloved to take him there, praising the piano sound and the tricks of the saxes. He then describes the dancers, the drinks, and the dreams that the place has to offer, noting that it's still early even if it's past three o'clock in the morning. The song ends with a recommendation to anyone who has never been to Duke's place to go there and get caught up in the whirlwind of life that the place embodies.

The lyrics capture the essence of Duke's place as a vibrant and joyful haven for jazz aficionados. The song celebrates the music, the dancing, and the camaraderie that the club provides, highlighting the sense of community and belonging that can be found there. The lyrics also suggest a sense of timelessness and endless possibility, presenting Duke's place as a place where dreams can come true and the night can go on forever.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby, take me down to Duke's place
Request to go to Duke's place, an exciting night spot

Wildest box in town is Duke's place
Duke's place is the most thrilling venue in the city

Love that piano sound in Duke's place
Appreciation for the music played on the piano at Duke's place

Saxes do their tricks in Duke's place
The saxophones played at Duke's place are known for their impressive solos

Fellas swing their chicks in Duke's place
The men at Duke's place dance with their female partners

Come on, get your kicks in Duke's place
Encouragement to have a good time and enjoy oneself at Duke's place

You find yourself a seat, and when you want to eat You look around and yell waiter
When looking for food at Duke's place, someone can simply call the waiter for service

You fill your cup chock full of dreams and drink it up You're jetting along with your girlie
While at Duke's place, one can enjoy their time and feel as though everything is perfect

It's after three o'clock, but, baby, it's still early
Although it's late at night, it's still considered early at Duke's place because people are having too much fun to go home

If you've never been to Duke's place Take your tootsies into Duke's place
Suggestion for anyone who hasn't been to Duke's place to go there and have an unforgettable experience

Life is in a spin in Duke's place
The atmosphere at Duke's place is energetic and fast-paced

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Duke Ellington

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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