Jazz Articles about Hank Jones

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Hank Jones: For My Father

by John Kelman
June 9, 2005

Some musicians are pure paradox, their personalities in no way reflecting the way they play. Others find their personal characteristics inextricably intertwined with their musical ones--trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, guitarist Bill Frisell, and saxophone legend Wayne Shorter immediately come to mind.

Octogenarian pianist Hank Jones--the eldest and last surviving member of the Jones triumvirate that included trumpeter Thad, who passed away in '86, and drummer Elvin, who left us in '04--has always demonstrated a musical elegance that is completely in keeping ...

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Hank Jones: Havin' Fun

by Jason West
February 15, 2005

Hank Jones last performed at Jazz Alley in the summer of 2002, appearing each night of his week-long residency buttoned up in a black tuxedo. On that Saturday evening, July 20, the venerable 84-year-old was warmly welcomed by his first-set audience as he took the stage and settled himself at the piano bench, looking less like a jazz musician than a classical maestro about to begin a recital of masterworks. Which, of course, he did.

But instead of Mozart, Brahms ...

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Hank Jones: The Talented Touch and Porgy and Bess

by Franz A. Matzner
July 10, 2004

The Talented Touch and Porgy and Bess reissues on one compact disc two albums originally recorded by pianist Hank Jones with two different groups in 1958. The album thus documents Jones' uniquely honed rhythmic sensibilities and insightful interpretive skill as he interacts with a range of musicians, including bassist Milt Jackson, guitarists Kenny Burrell and Barry Galbraith, as well as drummers Osie Johnson and Jones' brother, the legendary and recently departed Elvin Jones . While the first ...

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Joe Lovano: I'm All For You

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2004

Joe Lovano’s unique tone gives his ballad album a whispering quality that stays up close and intimate throughout. He’s with you back there at the corner table as you nurse your drink for another hour in one of your town’s respected nightclubs. Most of the crowd has already called it a night, but you’re loving this mood too much to go home. The tenor saxophone sound that wafts gently from his horn lifts your spirits and reminds you of the ...

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Joe Lovano: I'm All For You

by Russell Moon
May 1, 2004

Joe Lovano's I'm All For You is subtitled Ballad Songbook. Every song is taken at a leisurely pace, and the recording reminds me of Charlie Haden's Quartet West album Haunted Heart. All of the renditions are indeed haunting and very soulful. Lovano has collected three of the best to join him—Hank Jones on piano, George Mraz on bass and Paul Motian on drums. The great ones make it look easy.

Half of the 59 minute album is made up of ...

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Hank Jones/Milt Hinton/Bobby Rosengarden: The Trio

by Jeff Stockton
January 22, 2004

In an article published in the Village Voice a couple of years ago Gary Giddins traced a history of recorded jazz in song, year by year, and Hank Jones’ solo “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” was pegged as the noteworthy performance of 1977. As his rhythm section lays out, Jones tinkles his piano as if prompting a dream sequence, then leaves the song behind as he performs one harmonic digression after another before returning to the tune with an almost-barrelhouse ...

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A Fireside Chat with Hank Jones

by AAJ Staff
October 27, 2003

An icon of the music, but one so humble, his accolades and achievements are never heard above a whisper. His impact, however, is elephantine and certain to linger long after I am six feet under. Take Master Class (a reissue of Bebop Redux and Groovin’ High ), a testament to the pianist’s sensitive lyricism and gentle swing, Jones is a personal fav. I am pleased to present the Brother to Thad and Elvin, mentor to numerous, and favorite of mine, ...