Customer Reviews

S Wonderful

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(from an extended feature, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)

Across a span of over 60 years, the penetrating
delicacy of pianist Hank Jones has captivated
entire generations of audiences around the world.
An acclaimed grandmaster of Jazz many times over,
he is a legendary interpreter whose skill and
artistic grasp immediately uplifts any composer's
finest work to new depths of finesse. No parlor
room cocktailer, his is the robust swing and snap
of all-out Music at full play, honed to a fine,
telling focus.
That Jones continues to spin melodic tapestries is
quite evident with the greatest recording from The
Great Jazz Trio. The latest edition of this famed
unit features the pianist with bassist John Patitucci
and drummer Jack DeJohnette, weaving their delightful
way through material as diverse as Bobby Timmons'
"Moanin'", Jimmy Forrest's "Night Train", and "The
Days Of Wine And Roses" by Mancini and Mercer.

S'WONDERFUL is a wonderful album of utterly
tuneful performances, brought home with a lot
of fun, and a generous offering of serious
art. Listen to the sweetly-swaying sound
they bring to "Sweet Lorraine", or their
joyfully original take on Paul Desmond's
"Take Five", and experience Jazz daring
straight on time.
All of the selections are portraits in
taste and fire, from the title track's
spirited run, and the hard-stepping
"Lover Come Back To Me", to one of
the most haunting renditions of
"Greensleeves" ever presented.

Intimate and engaging. This is Hank Jones,
at the heart of The Great Jazz Trio, deep
in the shaping of a great, timeless art.

Listen and enjoy.

I am a great fan of Piano trio music and any Great Jazz Trio's album will not dissatisfies listners of this sort of music. I cannot say this one is a master piece but truly enjoyable and refreshing.

After his brother's death (R.I.P. Elvin Jones), contrary to speculations that GJT would disband, the leader Hank Jones once again recorded a great stuff full of familar standards. The rhythm sections, Jack Dejohnette and John Patitucci, did just greatly. It is not a must-have but a good to have even for random jazz fans.