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Rating:
Another trio? Yes indeed! It is a classic trio led by Hank Jones, one of the most refined and sought-after pianists by the greats of jazz for his excellent elegance and clarity, brother of Thad and Elvin.
This excellent work from 1993 can almost be considered a kind of family testament/celebration: shortly thereafter, Hank would leave us followed some time later by Elvin.
The tracks performed in this work are all by Thad Jones (d. 1986), an excellent conductor/composer in the big bands led alongside Mel Lewis and also a composer in the Count Basie orchestra, not to mention his prowess as a trumpeter.
The tracks unfold with delicacy and finesse supported by Elvin's drumming and the generous backing of bassist George Mraz, who always proves to be precise, elegant, and full of feeling.
"Lady Luck", "Mean What You Say", "Kids Are Pretty People": are performed with that typical fluid and lyrical piano style of Hank, interspersed with the precise and always intense solos of Elvin.
The album title is among the most appropriate that, track by track, emphasizes the deep family bond reflected in Thad's work.
Noteworthy is the excellent audio recording done by the 'usual' great Rudy Van Gelder.
Hank Jones (piano) George Mraz (bass) Elvin Jones (drums)
Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, February 25 & 26, 1993
Thad's Pad
Ah, Henry
The Summary
Little Rascal On A Rock
Upon Reflection
Lady Luck
Mean What You Say
Kids Are Pretty People
Ray-El
A Child Is Born
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