Sonny Clark – My Conception (Solo Piano)

Recorded for Time Records, 1959

Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, and The Great Jazz Trio…

For over thirty years, Hank Jones led The Great Jazz Trio, its various incarnations creating some tremendously diverse and exhilarating jazz. While Hank remained a consistent force at piano, the bass and drum chairs alternated frequently after founding members Ron Carter and Tony Williams departed. My favorite line-up was the one that paired Hank with his brother Elvin:

“Long Ago and Far Away”

(Someday My Prince Will Come, Eighty-Eight’s Records, 2004)

(Autumn Leaves, Eighty-Eight’s Records, 2002)

Hank Jones – piano; Richard Davis – bass; Elvin Jones – drums

Hank Jones passes away…

Hank Jones passed away yesterday at 91 years old. He was playing and recording right on up until his hospitalization last week. His New York Times obituary can be read here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/arts/music/18jones.html

Hank Jones, like his siblings Thad and Elvin, made a last contribution to jazz, particularly later in his career when he helped keep mainstream attention on the jazz piano. He had a sensitive, versatile style and was a wonderful interpreter of hymns and spirituals, particularly in tandem with bassist Charlie Haden. Their collaboration,  Steal Away, remains one of my favorite jazz albums.

As a sideman earlier in his career, Hank sat in on some of jazz’s most famous sessions, including Ella Fitzgerald’s Rhythm Is My Business and Cannonball Adderly’s Somethin’ Else.

Cannonball Adderly – alto sax; Miles Davis – trumpet; Hank Jones – piano; Sam Jones – bass; Art Blakey – drums / Blue Note Records, 1958

One of my all-time favorite Hank Jones sessions is for Paul Chambers Bass On Top record:

Hank Jones – piano; Paul Chambers – bass; Kenny Burrell – guitar; Art Taylor – drums / Blue Note Records, 1957

RIP, Hank Jones (1918-2010)

Kenny Drew – Funkcosity (Blue Note, 1960)

Kenny Drew – piano / Freddie Hubbard – trumpet / Hank Mobley – tenor sax / Sam Jones – bass / Louis Hayes – drums

From Undercurrent, Drew’s only album for Blue Note as a leader. Here he’s slightly overshadowed by his sidemen as Mobley turns in one of his tightest performances on record. Couple that with a brash, young and hungry Freddie Hubbard on one of his earliest dates and it is hard for Drew — never the flashiest player — to make himself heard. This is one of his stronger solos and an enjoyable tune.

Mary Lou Williams – The Credo (1964)

Mary Records, 45rpm, other personnel unknown