Glen Hodges, Jazz Studies Coordinator with the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), recently returned from a 5-week tour of the United States undertaken as part of research for his PhD – chasing the ghost of jazz legend Jimmy Raney.

The tour commenced in Copenhagen, Denmark, then moved to the United States where Glen visited the former stomping grounds of the jazz guitar great in New York and Louisville – Kentucky. He also included a trip to Texas to consult with jazz guitarist Fred Hamilton.

During his trip, Glen was fortunate to meet up with 2 of Jimmy Raney’s sons, both jazz musicians, who were able to provide insights into their father’s playing style, in particular the approach to improvisation that has made Jimmy Raney so influential in jazz music circles.

"Louisville was Jimmy’s home town, so a lot of jazz musicians actually played and ‘studied’ with him informally, and were able to give me some valuable insights,” Glen said.

Glen first heard of the jazz guitar great when he undertook his Masters at the University of North Texas in 1990.

“I chose Jimmy Raney as the topic for my PhD, not only because I love his style, but also for the lack of recognition his music has received over the years,” said Glen.

“A number of major players have claimed him as an influence and recognise him as a ground-breaking musician, but I feel that a lot of his work and influence has gone unrecognised in the wider world”.

“I have transcribed a number of his solos as part of my PhD and am analyzing what made his improvisational language so unique. I have particularly focused on his trademark ‘licks’ as a thematic basis for original compositions in an attempt to assimilate some of his sounds,” Glen said.

Glen has gathered a lot of material from his trip including some 14-16 hours of recorded interviews, which Glen hopes will further enhance his study.

"One of the side benefits of my trip has been the establishment of some important links with overseas institutions and some partnerships which will prove invaluable for the CQCM and jazz studies students in particular,” said Glen. “I was also able to showcase my handmade Australian jazz guitar at a few performances”.

Glen plays an instrument made by Kim Hancock from Mt Tambourine in Queensland.

“Kim’s guitars are recognised as the absolute pinnacle of professional instruments with a number of major players now using them”.

Glen’s academic exchange was made possible by grant monies he received from Central Queensland University, home to the CQCM, and Macquarie University.

To find out more about the CQCM Bachelor of Jazz Studies program visit the web site at: http://www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm or phone (07) 4940 7800.

Photo: Glen Hodges with his guitar made in Mt Tambourine by Kim Hancock.