Con-Soul and Sax

Alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges had a reputation as a smooth, refined player. So what was he doing collaborating with a two-fisted organ blastmaster like Wild Bill Davis? Well, they worked together in Duke Ellington’s band, so clearly there was a strong connection, and this 1965 album — one of a string they made together — finds both men in strong form. They’re joined by (depending on the track) guitarists Dickie Thompson and Mundell Lowe, bassists Milt Hinton and George Duvivier, and drummer Osie Johnson. Hodges is urbane as always throughout, sounding like he’s playing in silk pajamas, and Davis is less manic than on his legendary At Birdland album but still pumping the organ for all it’s worth.