Art Hodes' Hot Five - Shine: Hot Jazz at Blue Note (1999)

"Shine: Hot Jazz at Blue Note" is a compilation of pivotal recording sessions by pianist Art Hodes, captured for the Blue Note label in March and May 1945. During this era, label founder Alfred Lion was dedicated to documenting traditional jazz and boogie-woogie, providing a counterpoint to the burgeoning bebop movement. The "Hot Five" lineup features the legendary Sidney Bechet, whose expressive soprano saxophone work perfectly complements Hodes’ blues-inflected piano style.

The "Hot Seven" sessions showcase a richer, more orchestral sound, aided by the presence of trumpeter Max Kaminsky and trombonist George Lugg. The music is rooted in the Chicago style, characterized by vigorous collective improvisation, a driving rhythmic feel, and a profound respect for the classic jazz canon (including works by Jelly Roll Morton). This album holds significant historical weight, serving as a testament to the traditional jazz revival of the mid-1940s, preserved with the high fidelity typical of early Blue Note recordings.

Art Hodes' Hot Five, Sidney Bechet (clarinet, sopranosaxophone), George "Pops" Foster (bass), Wild Bill Davison (cornet), Fred Moore (drum, drumkit, vocalist), Art Hodes (piano), Art Hodes' Hot Seven, Jack Lesberg (bass), Leonard Bujie Centobie (clarinet), Danny Alvin (drum, drumkit), Chick Robertson (guitar), George Lugg (trombone), Max Kaminsky (trumpet), Bujie Centobie (clarinet)

Tracklist:
1-1 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Save It Pretty Mama [3:10]
1-2 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Way Down Yonder In New Orleans [3:08]
1-3 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Memphis Blues [2:53]
1-4 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Shine [2:53]
1-5 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - St. James Infirmary [3:20]
1-6 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Darktown Strutter's Ball [3:02]
1-7 Art Hodes' Hot Five;Sidney Bechet - Darktown Strutter's Ball (Alternate Take) [3:09]
1-8 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Chicago Gal [3:01]
1-9 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - I Never Knew Just What A Gal Could Do [2:54]
1-10 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Mr. Jelly Lord [3:18]
1-11 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - At The Jazz Band Ball [2:53]
1-12 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Wolverine Blues [3:21]
1-13 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Milenberg Joys [2:40]
1-14 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Walk On Down [3:12]
1-15 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Willie The Weeper [2:57]
1-16 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Willie The Weeper (Alternate Take) [2:58]
1-17 Art Hodes' Hot Seven - Bujie [3:10]