Frederick Hodges
Berkeley, California
Updated 5/2/05

California native Frederick Hodges specializes in the piano music and popular songs of the ragtime era, the 1920s, and the 1930s. Classically trained and groomed for a career as a concert pianist, he was happily lured away from this path after he discovered a stack of 1920s sheet music in this grandmother's piano bench. Exposure to the rollicking rhythms of player pianos and 78 RPM phonograph records sealed his fate, and he set out to master the ragtime and novelty piano playing styles that had captivated him.

While still an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, he was hired by Don Neely to serve as pianist and singer with the famed Royal Society Jazz Orchestra. Soon, Frederick was playing solo piano for society parties and holding down steady engagements at legendary Nob Hill establishments such as L'Etoile in the Huntington Hotel, Masons in the Fairmont Hotel, and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Frederick also plays piano with the Peter Mintun Orchestra and with jazz ensembles.

Frederick has displayed his unique piano playing and singing talents on stage, on television, and in Hollywood movies. He has had the honor of performing for stars of stage and screen, royalty, captains of industry, and even Tin Pan Alley composers. He is a favorite at jazz festivals around the country.

Visit Frederick's web site at http://www.frederickhodges.com.

RECORDINGS

Solo Piano

Turn on the Heat
1997: Stomp Off Records CD1333

Picnics: Classic Ragtime Music
Frederick Hodges piano solo and ensemble with the Pickles and Peaches Ragtime Orchestra
1994: Menus and Music Productions 07DMS

Ensemble Recordings

Sweet and Low-Down
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
2002 RSJO-12

A Sunny Disposish
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1999 Circle Records CCD-177

20th Live
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1997 Circle Records CCD-170

“Roll Up the Carpet”
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1995 Circle Records CCD-147

Sophisticated Swing
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1993 Klavier Records International KD-77005

“Don’t Bring Lulu”
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1992: Stomp Off CD1250

“Ain’t That a Grand and Glorious Feeling?”
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1990: Stomp Off CD1208

Radio Rhythm
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1990 Circle Records CCD-127

Harlem to Hollywood
Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra
1990 Klavier Records International KD-11024

Calling All Jitterbugs!
The Bill Elliot Swing Orchestra
1997 Wayland 002CD