Hodge Becomes One-Man Band for New Blue Note Album The Second

By DownBeat I Aug. 24, 2016

Derrick Hodge’s sophomore album, *The Second*, will be released Aug. 26 on Blue Note Records.
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On Aug. 26, bassist Derrick Hodge will release The Second, his sophomore album for Blue Note Records. The album finds the two-time Grammy winner taking on the roles of producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, with Hodge forgoing a conventional band approach in favor of playing all of the instruments himself.

A handful of special guests will help enliven Hodge’s largely solo effort. Drummer Mark Colenburg, formerly of bands led by Kenny Garrett and Lizz Wright, appears on three tracks. Keyon harrold, who provided the sound of Miles Davis’ trumpet for the biopic Miles Ahead, appears on one track in a horn section with trombonist Corey King and tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

For Hodge, the album is as much a personal statement as it is a declaration of gratitude for the fans and artists of the jazz community.

“I wanted to create something that exposed myself artistically, with a heartbeat for the people,” said Hodge. “My hope is for this sound to uplift people, help them get through whatever, and show that I’m all in for creating music for the rest of my life and career.”

After years as a band member in groups led by trumpeter Terence Blanchard, keyboardist Robert Glasper, rapper Common and r&b singers Jill Scott and Maxwell, Hodge stepped into the leader role with the 2013 release of Live Today, his acclaimed debut album.

With The Second, Hodge continues to refine his sleek, groove-oriented style, which weaves together jazz and hip-hop, while at the same time broadening his musical scope. The 12-track program is available for pre-order now on CD or digital download. Fans who pre-order the download will immediately receive the title track, which is also available as a single on streaming services.