Customer Reviews

Complete Studio Recordings

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Four discs-each approximately 79 min. Good warm sound with open space between the instruments. Elmo Hope should be as well-known as Bobby Timmons,Red Garland or Horace Silver(his Blue Note trio recordings)but for whatever reason,he is not. His sound in places reminds you of the above three,with perhaps a bit of Bud Powell. No matter what tempo,Hope has a warm individual sound. In a trio format his talent really shines through,while playing in a larger group(found on a Blue Note release) his skills are not as apparent. His style is a combination of swing and be-bop with a real warmth underneath it all.

On these tracks Hope is accompanied by such well-known musicians as Percy Heath,John Ore,Jimmy Bond,Ronnie Boykins,Curtis Counce and Paul Chambers on bass. In the drum chair are Philly Joe Jones,Willie Jones,Frank Butler,Clifford Jarvis and Granville Hogan. The tracks span about thirteen years,1953-1966,and collect tracks from a number of albums. The tempos range from slow,meditative sides to up-tempo where Hope really swings. The other players don't intrude on Hope's playing-they play a complimentary role that keeps Hope out in front where he belongs. This is a very fine example of piano jazz in a trio format,and anyone who enjoys this kind of sound would do well in purchasing this set.

This is another one of those mysteries as to why someone with so much talent has been relegated to the sidelines. If you enjoy the "big"names mentioned here,on hearing this collection,you will add Elmo Hope's name to the list.

I picked this up, sealed, in a bargain bin, for $3.00.
Had no idea who Elmo Hope was.
I bought it thinking I would use the empty jewel case to replace a broken one I have.

Fast forward three months, and this is the title most often played in my collection. I find myself taking it from the car into the house because I can't stop listening.

Based on this set alone, this man should be as well know as contemporary and boyhood friend Bud Powell. I enjoy this set more then any of my Powell collections. (Though of course I am a great Bud Powell fan also. How can you not be?)

I cannot say enough good about this set. The mastering is outstanding. Even though it is chronological, the tracks flow perfectly.

Back when I worked at a CD store, there were certain discs I would guarantee people would like. This would fall into that catagory. If you like jazz piano in a trio setting, you will end up an Elmo Hope convert the same way I did. Pick this one up and thank me later.