Mike Jones / Penn Jillette / Jeff Hamilton: Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What You're Doing?

If the tired old cliché "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" ruled the roost, perhaps the talents of pianist Mike Jones might have been limited to being the music director for the Penn & Teller Las Vegas show of mind-blowing illusions. Fortunately, a tired old cliché is just that. Jones' dynamic talent and creativity could not be "kept under a bushel." He joined forces with the exceptional and versatile drummer Jeff Hamilton and the surprisingly talented bassist Penn Jillette, who is best known as part of the magician duo Penn & Jillette. Jones and his cohorts bring their considerable talents to an eleven-track collection of popular and jazz standards that bubble along with energy and fluency.

The opening cut is the George & Ira Gershwin favorite "'S Wonderful" that Jones has blazing along in top-shelf fashion. Looking to dispel any misgivings about Jillette's skill on the bass, he is in command with a strong tone, while Hamilton keeps everyone in an up-tempo mode. The follow- on number is "Doxy" by Sonny Rollins and it continues as a bounding swinger. The trio shows its cohesiveness and the ability to manipulate the music in a comprehensive way.

The Antonio Carlos Jobim Bossa Nova classic "The Girl From Ipanema" is an surprise as the tune is a well-played showcase for bassist Penn Jillette. With Jones comping in the background, Jillette takes us through the progression of the familiar melody with firm authority. Jones then delivers several improvisational choruses with shifting accents of rhythmic figures, before a series of well-thought-out exchanges with Hamilton, as Jillette is at the ready with a repeat of the melody in the out chorus.

Ever mindful of one of his piano heroes, Jones chooses "On Green Dolphin Street" as the vehicle for an homage to Oscar Peterson. Propelled by Hamilton's layered drumming, Jones spontaneously alters the notes, single-note runs, block chords, and rhythmic patterns to achieve the desired results. Juan Tizol's "Perdido" is a jazz war horse if ever there was one. The number allows Jones to pack his notes with a lot of authority and intensity while Hamilton delivers his full toolbox of drumming technique.

The final track, a Jones original called "Blues for Burns," is a catchy piece of music that demonstrates that each player in the band contributes to a shared base of musical standards.

These three guys really know what they are doing.