Only the most potent jazz musicians are capable of successful collaboration with string ensembles. Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday and Ben Webster each made their share of sweet chamber ensembles or lush, orchestrally augmented recordings. And so did Duke Ellington's star alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges. On November 18, 1958 he recorded an album for Verve consisting of 12 melodies written by George Gershwin. The session took place in Stuttgart, Germany; Hodges was accompanied by pianist Horst Jankowski and by a bassist who has yet to be identified. "Atmosphere" was generated by the Stuttgart Light Orchestra, under the direction of Wolfram Rohrig. Arrangements were scored by Russell Garcia. As with most string-laden recordings, the listener will need to accept the violins, violas and celli in order to enjoy the jazz element that exists quite strongly -- and intimately -- in the foreground. All of these performances, like most of the music in the latter day Johnny Hodges discography, combine the elegant tonal ligatures of swing and cool. (All Music Guide)