Hank Jones: For My Father

Hank Jones: piano; George Mraz: bass; Dennis Mackrel: drums

Pauletta / Bemsha Swing / Queen of Hearts / Sophisticated Lady / Johnny Come Lately / Prelude to a Kiss / Lotus Blossom / SKJ / Easy to Love / Because I Love You / Grace of God / Softly as in a Morning Sunrise

To celebrate the life of Hank Jones (1918-2010), we present this great recording from 2004 featuring George Mraz and Dennis Mackrel. The oldest of the Jones brothers (Elvin - famous for his tenure with Coltrane - and bandleader/arranger Thad), he was never a flashy pianist but always focused on taste and melody. Many of the greatest musicians - Ella Fitzgerald, Coleman Hawkins, Wes Montgomery and many more!) recognized this and added Jones to their groups.
This recording is classic Hank: swinging, melodic, and straight-ahead. The opening Pauletta, composed by Al Foster, is a beautiful melody that launches into Jones as the first soloist. He sits in the groove with near-perfection, especially when supporting Mraz.
Jones takes Monk's "Bemsha Swing" at a loping swinging-latin pace which suits the tune just fine. Mackrel and Mraz lock in superbly underneath the arrangement.
The middle portion of the recording is dominated by Ellington/Strayhorn tunes. Check out "Lotus Blossom": understated perfection that swings lightly. Mraz is truly lyrical on this cut, Mackrel's brushes are the perfect foil, while Jones shows he knows the tune inside-out with his beautiful arrangement.
One of the few giants of an era long passed, Jones was a pianist to be respected for his unflagging dedication to playing what need to be played, nothing less and nothing more.

Price: $18.98