3 Shades of Blue is the final album recorded as leader by American jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges featuring performances recorded in 1970 with vocalist Leon Thomas and composer/arranger Oliver Nelson and first released on the Flying Dutchman label.

[1][2] The album was rereleased in 1989 under Nelson's leadership as Black, Brown and Beautiful with additional tracks.

The Allmusic site awarded the album 3 stars.

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