3 Shades of Blue

3 Shades of Blue is the final album recorded as leader by American jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges featuring performances recorded in 1970 with vocalist Leon Thomas and composer/arranger Oliver Nelson and first released on the Flying [Dutchman Records|Flying Dutchman] label. The album was rereleased in 1989 under Nelson's leadership as Black, Brown and Beautiful with additional tracks.

Reception

The Allmusic site awarded the album 3 stars. Dan Morgenstern awarded the album 4 stars in a contemporary review for DownBeat, praising it as a worthy addition to Hodges' body of work which cemented his impressive legacy.

Track listing

"Empty Ballroom Blues" – 4:54
"Duke's Place" – 2:35
"Echoes of Harlem" – 4:20
"Disillusion Blues" – 3:56
"Yearning" – 5:20
"Welcome to New York" – 4:10
"Black, Brown and Beautiful" – 3:50
"Rockin' in Rhythm – 3:09
"Creole Love Call" – 4:56
"It´s Glory" – 2:55

Personnel

Johnny Hodges – alto saxophone
Leon Thomas – vocals
Oliver Nelson – arranger, conductor
Randy Brecker, Ernie Royal, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young – trumpet
Al Grey, Quentin Jackson, Garnett Brown, Thomas Mitchell – trombone
Bob Ashton, Danny Bank, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell, Jerome Richardson, Frank Wess – reeds
Earl Hines, Hank Jones – piano
David Spinozza – guitar
Ron Carter – bass
Grady Tate – drums