Collaboration (Mlps) [Import]

Great Jazz Trio | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 30, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Virgin Japan
• ASIN: B0002J55AY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #442,644 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Rhythm-A-Ning

2. Summertime

3. Satin Doll

4. Blue Bossa

5. Long Ago and Far Away

6. The Shadow of Your Smile

7. Autumn Leaves

8. My Funny Valentine

9. Moose the Mooche

10. Memories of You

Editorial Reviews

On May 12 and 13 in 2002, Elvin Jones recorded his last album with his older brother Hank along with bassist Richard Davis as The Great Jazz Trio at Avatar Studios in New York in what later became known as the Avatar sessions. The sessions resulted in three albums worth of material. The first album, Autumn Leaves, is available from 441 Records. The second, Someday My Prince Will Come, was released by Sony Columbia. Collaboration is the third album, which contains a couple of alternate takes of songs from the first two albums and a bonus track "Memories of You" and is possibly the last recording of Hank and Elvin performing together. That track was recorded on February 5, 2004. Elvin Jones, one of the most influential drummers in modern day music, passed away on May 18, 2004.

Hank Jones wrote liner notes for Collaboration entitled "Elvin, my brother." An excerpt: "They say, ‘The Good Die Young.’ I Agree. Thad and Elvin did. They dedicated their lives to what they loved and believed in, even if that meant shortening their lives. As a family member, I sometimes wonder if we could have done less and stayed together as a family longer. On the other hand, I wholeheartedly respect Elvin’s desire to live out his life (playing). Today’s music world would not exist without him. The fact that he was a great drummer who influenced all those who came after him will forever remain in records and people’s memories." --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Far More Than Alternate Takes, May 17, 2005

By 

Stephen A. Smith (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collaboration (Audio CD)

This disc is a companion to "Autumn Leaves" and "Someday My Prince Will Come." All three CDs feature material recorded on May 12 and 13, 2002 by the trio of Hank Jones (piano), Richard Davis (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums). "Collaboration" features alternate takes of tunes that were variously presented on the first two discs, plus a solo piano rendition of Eubie Blake's "Memories of You."

If you've heard either of the previous discs, there isn't much to say. If you haven't, you should order all three immediately. This is jazz at its best -- or, more accurately, at its finest. These guys have more than two centuries' experience between them, and they know how to get it done. If you like jazz, you'll love this music; and if you don't like this music, you probably won't like jazz.

The CD is accompanied by an essay that Hank wrote on May 28, 2004, ten days after his younger brother Elvin passed away. These few hundred words are among the most heartfelt and touching I've ever read. I'm saddened by Hank's loss, but I admire his bravery in sharing his feelings with millions of fans. And ultimately, I'm grateful for the chance to hear the music this trio created together.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in the technical side of drumming..., May 9, 2009

By 

Eric J. Anderson (Ankeny, Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collaboration (Audio CD)

As a casual listener, I had difficulty getting into this album, or at least I had difficulty with the drum solos, which were difficult to follow. I'm not a drummer. I enjoy many other kinds of jazz, and in fact I enjoy the albums that preceded this "collaboration" with the same participants.

I'd say Elvin Jones stretches out and does his own thing a lot more on this CD than the others. This might be very instructive and entertaining for drummers and jazz technicians. For me, not so much. I don't fault the playing ability or even the interpretations here. I'm only saying that I didn't find them as enjoyable as other Great Jazz Trio outings.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long live the Great Elvin Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, May 13, 2005

By 

J. Bewley "mbewley2002" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collaboration (Audio CD)

When Elvin touched the drums, he made works of art. There is no hint of discarded takes or unexceptable work here; everyone is in top form. I can't help but think of Elvin's dedication to his craft that clearly is on display here. The fire, the sensitivity, and color made us all think deeply about what is possibile in playing this instrument.

Long live the great drummer, and human being -Elvin Jones.

jb