Home » Jazz Articles » Film Review » Elvin Jones: Jazz Machine

410

Elvin Jones: Jazz Machine

By

Sign in to view read count
Elvin Jones
Jazz Machine
View Video
2008

Some might argue that Elvin Jones was, along with Art Blakey, one of the top two hard bop jazz drummers of all time. In the '60s, he cemented his legend on numerous John Coltrane recordings and performances and what might be Jones' most-underrated work also emerged during that decade: trios and quartets under the leadership of guitarist Grant Green featuring organist Larry Young and a trio led by Jones with reedman Joe Farrell and fellow Coltrane alum Jimmy Garrison on bass.

In a new DVD reissue of a 1991 performance in Stuttgart, Germany, Jones and his ensemble walk a fine line between accessibility and experimentation. The date presents a drummer who, at the tender age of 63, still emanated all of the enthusiasm he surely possessed while learning the jazz form back in Detroit with his two musician brothers, pianist Hank and trumpeter Thad, and maintained until his death in 2004.

The youngest Jones pays tribute to the middle brother with a performance of the Thad original "Ray El." That's one of the three lengthy selections offered on the release, where Jones is accompanied by Sonny Fortune (tenor sax, flute), Ravi Coltrane (soprano sax), Willie Pickens (piano) and Chip Jackson (bass). The extremely sweaty Jones doesn't seem he could be any happier than to be playing with this group in front of an enthusiastic audience. With a smile that never leaves his face, Jones obviously isn't a fan of time limits, as his bandmates get boundless space during their solos. This DVD should satisfy Jones fans from both ends of the jazz spectrum; equal parts free and funky, Jazz Machine offers the rare treat of seeing for yourself the Elvin Jones magic once solely confined to your stereo.

Personnel: Sonny Fortune: saxophone, flute; Chip Jackson: bass; Ravi Coltrane: saxophone; Willie Pickens: piano; Elvin Jones: drums.

Bonus Features: Elvin Jones Biography; Instant Access to Songs & Solos; Dolby Stereo Audio; Re-Mastered Audio and Video; DVD Recommendations

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.