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)
Thanks for the links to these recordings. Terri Gross had a great interview with Hank Jones in 2005 and replayed it just after he died (within the last several days). Look it up on the Fresh Air website. He seemed like a beautiful person. If you like Jazz or Humanity, you’ll enjoy this interview.