Hodges, James And Smith<div hidden>Hodges James And Smith Hodges James & Smith</div>
Hodges, James & Smith was an American R&B/soul vocal trio active in the 1970s, formed in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of Pat Hodges, Denita James, and Jessica Smith.
The trio emerged from the Motown ecosystem as a project of producer William "Mickey" Stevenson, the label's former A&R director during its peak years. Intended to compete with acts like The Supremes, they blended pop-soul harmonies with influences from Hodges's classical music training—she played clarinet in a local band and earned a B.A. in music—alongside James's background in ballet and tap dancing.
They signed with 20th Century Records and released four albums from 1973 to 1978, starting with standout sessions featuring top session musicians like bassist Wilton Felder, drummer Paul Humphrey, and guitarist Mike Warren. Key contributors included producer Stevenson, who shaped their sound with sophisticated arrangements.
Though they achieved modest chart success without major hits, their work remains a cult favorite in soul circles for its polished, Motown-inspired vocal interplay. The group disbanded by the late 1970s, with limited activity afterward.
Incredible
Written-By – P. Hodges, WM. Stevenson 4:07
A2 I Should Stay
Written By – J. Gerard, WM. Stevenson 2:51
A3 Signal Yout Intention
Written-By – Richard Henn 3:00
A4.1 Medley: Rock Me Baby / Steamroller
Written-By – R.B. King, James Taylor, J. Josea 3:39
A5 Oh
Written By – J. Gerard, WM. Stevenson 3:01
B1 Little By Little (Bit By Bit)
Written-By – Colbert, WM. Stevenson 4:02
B2 If You Wanna Love Me
Written-By – Colbert, Hurst, WM. Stevenson 3:42
B3 Can't Be Alone
Written-By – S. Friedman, WM. Stevenson 3:33
B4 You Take My Love For Granted
Written-By – L. Perry 2:45
B5 Love Was Just A Word
Written-By – WM. Stevenson 3:02
Label: 20th Century Records – T-425
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Incredible, the 1973 debut album by vocal trio Hodges, James & Smith, is a smooth blend of orchestrated soul, mid-tempo R&B, and pop-soul, featuring lush arrangements with electric piano, organ, and layered guitars, showcasing their tight harmonies on tracks like "Turn The People On," though it was a solid effort that didn't become a major commercial success.
A sophisticated mix of soul, pop-soul, and R&B, with rich backing from LA session musicians giving it a jazzy feel, it emphasizes the trio's impressive vocal harmonies.
Produced by William Stevenson, who crafted a polished sound with intricate arrangements.
While well-regarded by some for its quality, it struggled to find a wide audience, leading to its quick disappearance from mainstream attention, but the group continued performing and releasing music.
Incredible is considered a key album for collectors of 70s soul and funk, appreciated for its strong vocal performances and production quality, though the group was generally considered "unsung" and overshadowed by more famous acts like the Supremes and Earth, Wind & Fire. It can be found on platforms like Discogs where fans can view its various releases and credits.