Duke wrote reams and reams of wonderful music, with the perverse effect that tunes like “In a Sentimental Mood” and “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” crowded out marvelous pieces like “Johnny Come Lately” and this, this exquisite performance of the exquisite “Passion Flower.” There’s little on the planet as sensuous as Johnny Hodges playing a ballad.
“I ate your book.”
“Anyone who can write with insight and authority about Alas No Axis, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello…Missy Mazzoli and William Britelle, and…Mahler…is okay in my book.”
