Hank Jones Albums (54)
'Hank and Frank, Vol. 2'
Release Date 4/14/2009
Tracks 15
Label Lineage
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What The Critics Say
Hank Jones and Frank Wess retain the same rhythm section as their 2003 session for Lineage, except vocalist Marion Cowings is added on several tracks. Jones retains his masterful touch on piano even into his nineties, swinging effortlessly whether playing a breezy setting of "Sunday," a laid-back gospel-infused "Lord Prepare Me," or bop favorites like "Chasin' the Bird" and "Jordu." Wess' richly textured tenor dominates favorite ballads like "'More Than You Know" and "Ill Wind," while guitarist Ilya Lushtak, who works regularly with Wess and also took part in the earlier CD Hank and Frank, is generously featured, getting a bluesy edge with his spacious interpretation of "When Your Lover Is Gone." Cowings has been on the Manhattan scene for some time and served as vocal coach for Harry Connick, Jr., though he evidently has not been recorded very often. His easygoing vocal style never oversells the lyrics, though he is at his best in ballads like the old chestnut "Stay as Sweet as You Are." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Veteran pianist Hank Jones is hardly slowing down at the age of 87, as heard on this beautifully recorded session in early 2006. With drummer Jimmy Cobb (who sticks to brushes) and Christian McBride rounding out his potent trio, Jones keeps old warhorses like "On Green Dolphin Street" fresh, giving ample space to his partner and adding a humorous detour into Billy Strayhorn's "Rain Check." Other highlights include his elegant treatment of his late brother Thad's timeless ballad "A Child Is Born" and a hard driving take of Charlie Parker's "Confirmation." McBride shows depth beyond his years with strong accompaniment and swinging solos. This Hybrid Super Audio CD, recorded without any gimmickry such as remixing or compression, enables the listener to enjoy these intimate performances as if sitting in the studio with the players. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Hank Jones and Frank Wess (doubling on tenor and flute) first recorded together in the mid-'50s. A half-century later, they are both still in their musical prime. On this straight-ahead date, they are joined quite ably by the fine guitar soloist Ilya Lushtak, bassist John Webber, and veteran drummer Mickey Roker. The quintet performs three Wess originals, Jones' lowdown blues "A Hankerin'," and five jazz standards. Few surprises occur, but it does not matter because all of the musicians play at a high level and good vibes dominate during this timeless set. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'My Funny Valentine'
Release Date 12/26/2005
Tracks 13
Label Sony/CBS
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What The Critics Say
Grand jazz master pianist and octogenarian Hank Jones is accompanied here by bassist George Mraz and drummer Dennis Mackrel. The program is a collection of jazz and pop standards that Jones has undoubtedly played countless times before, and it matters not a whit. His sense of refinement, elegance, and swing saturates the proceedings. Whether it's on the graceful cover of Al Foster's "Paulette" with its elongated spaces or on an uptown version of Monk's "Bemsha Swing," Jones is a supreme melodist. His readings of Ellington and Strayhorn here are beyond reverential and are journeys of subtle harmonic discovery (check out "Lotus Blossom"). The reading of Harold Mabern, Jr.'s "Grace of God (There but for the Grace of God)" is simply glorious. In a career full of winners, add this one to the list. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although Tommy Flanagan tended to refer to two-piano dates as a gimmick, that's hardly the case during this superb 1983 concert in Germany with Hank Jones. The two pianists have the kind of feel for one another's playing that avoids the crash of egos and instead inspires the give and take necessary for each performance to reach its full potential. Immediately, the two veterans captivate their audience with a stunning aggressive improvisation upon Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," then immediately quiet them with a soft, lyrical interpretation of the gorgeous ballad "In a Sentimental Mood." They're clearly having a lot of fun during their upbeat waltz through the popular ballad "Someday My Prince Will Come." The rest of the concert is every bit as fulfilling, with an inspired treatment of "Rockin' in Rhythm" getting the nod as the highlight of a memorable evening. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Upon Reflection: The Music of Thad Jones'
Release Date 8/23/2004
Tracks 10
Label Polygram International
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What The Critics Say
Hank Jones' relaxed, understated keyboard demeanor leaves lots of room for interplay with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Grady Tate. This is a nicely balanced session including the latin flavored title-track, Jones' interpretation of two contemporary ballads penned by Sara Cassey, "Warm Blue Stream" and "Wind Flower" plus Harold Arlen's 1934 standard "As Long As I Live." The date's highlight is Jones' splendid rendition of the Richard Rodgers waltz "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning." The familiar melody is exquisitely reharmonized and a rhythmic interlude is inserted between sections. (A solo piano version of this arrangement was recorded in 1977 and is included in the Smithsonian Jazz Piano collection.) Claus Ogerman's "Favors" is a Jones favorite, appearing on two subsequent live releases by the pianist. "Minor Contemplation," a hard-driving bop line, is the only Jones original. All in all, an excellent offering from an undisputed master. ~ Lee Bloom, All Music Guide
