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Derrick Hodge
Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time, there were no bass instructors so Hodge learned the instrument by using his electric bass technique and by watching the 1st and 2nd violins sitting across from him. And for jazz band, he just played the upright bass as if it were an electric bass, disallowing the lack of instructional resources to be his hindrance.
He considers himself a product of a hotbed of talent from the greater Philadelphia region which had a thriving Gospel, Jazz, Classical, R&B and emerging Hip Hop scene. He also credits mentors such as James Poyser, Jethaniel Nixon, and others throughout his teenage years. Hodge received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Temple University Ester Boyer College of Music where he studied Jazz Composition and Performance. He studied acoustic and electric bass privately with Vince Fay. He was also involved in the Temple University Jazz Band and Small Ensemble, conducted by Terell Stafford, and was the first Jazz major to participate in the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Luis Biava, and New Music Chamber Orchestra. He was also a student at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Summer Academy, under the instruction of Christian McBride and Loren Schoenberg.
Along with formal collegiate training and experience, he performed with the Temple University Gospel Choir, among others. Hodge has performed and/or recorded with Terell Stafford, Donald Byrd, Bootsie Barnes, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir, Kenny Lattimore, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Timbaland, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Gerald Levert, Common, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Sade, Terence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller, Clark Terry, and others. Aside from Hodge’s performing side, he has always had a passion for music composition. Being granted the opportunities to write for artists in the past has enabled him to be identified as a writer in various genres of music ranging from Jazz and Orchestral Chamber music to Pop and R&B.
Over the past few years, Hodge has been developing his writing skills for extended music scoring and film music. Understudying with Grammy Nominated composer Terence Blanchard, Hodge has been afforded the opportunity to learn about the film industry and writing process. He has also received on the job training while working as an instrumentalist on many of Blanchard’s films including She Hate Me, Waist Deep, and Inside Man.
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It's no surprise that bassist Derrick Hodge's debut, Live Today, breathes fresh creativity. Whether swinging fervently on upright or laying down nasty funk riffs on electric bass, his versatility has been recruited by trumpet giant Terence Blanchard and served as a vital component of the Robert Glasper Experiment's Grammy-winning Black Radio (Blue Note, 2012). Hodge's talents are not, however, limited to any one musical genre, including work as musical director for R&B singing star Maxwell, and collaborations with rapper/actor Common ...
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Versatility is a trait that any young musician wishes to attain in his/her career. While the ability to seamlessly flow in and out of any musical situation or genre can be attained by spending countless hours in the shed and listening to an array of records, a unique musical environment helps immensely in shaping a young musician's ear. Derrick Hodge has no hesitation in stating that he is a product of his musical environment, having been raised outside Philadelphia in ...
read moreJazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today!
Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today!
Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today!
Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today!
Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today! Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more. Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Derrick Hodge
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Derrick Hodge's birthday today! Derrick Hodge began studying electric guitar at the age of 7, inspired by the playing of West Philadelphia’s Beulah Baptist Church choir’s bassist, Joel Ruffiin. A year later, Hodge switched to electric bass guitar and began playing in the elementary school concert band and orchestra. In junior high, he was introduced to the upright contrabass. At the time... Read more. Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or ...
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Bassist & Composer Derrick Hodge Premieres “Gritty Folk” From His Debut Recording "Live Today" To Be Released Aug. 6 On Blue Note Records
Source:
Michael Ricci
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Jill Newman Productions Presents Sly & the Family Stone, Jimmy Scott, Bilal, Derrick Hodge and Others
Source:
All About Jazz
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Derrick Hodge
Location: Philadelphia
Instrument: Bass
Born: July 5, 1979
