Mike Jones: Mike Jones With Strings

There is something refreshingly honest about a drummerless trio. Without the cushion of cymbals and snare to drive the pulse, every note matters a little more. This format dates back to the Nat King Cole Trio in the 1930s and to the Oscar Peterson-celebrated groups of the 1950s, in which the guitar and bass took responsibility for keeping the music moving. Mike Jones clearly understands that tradition, and Mike Jones with Strings embraces it with confidence and style.

Recorded live at Vic's Supper Club in Las Vegas, the album captures the spontaneity only a live audience can inspire. Jones is joined by guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank, who share his appreciation for melody, swing, and the timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook.

From the opening bars of George and Ira Gershwin's "Lady Be Good," the trio announces its intentions. The tune swings effortlessly, with Jones delivering sparkling runs while Dechter's crisp lines weave around the piano. Frank anchors everything with an unshakeable pulse and quiet energy. The mood shifts to a mellow groove on "Gone With the Wind." Jones never rushes the lyricism, favouring elegant phrasing over bravado. Dechter colours the harmonies with understated sophistication, while Frank showcases a powerfully satisfying style.

"Autumn Leaves" is one of those standards every jazz player eventually encounters. Following Jones's setup, Dechter introduces the familiar melody with warmth and quiet reflection, then expands it into increasingly imaginative improvisation. Jones picks up the line with an equally thoughtful solo, exploring unexpected harmonic turns. Frank's beautifully centred playing provides the solid footing that gives both soloists complete freedom.

Oscar Peterson's composition "Kelly's Blues," written to honour his wife Kelly Peterson, receives an extensive reading from the trio, with their full swing on display. Jones tips his hat to Peterson throughout, not by imitation but by the joyful spirit that made his playing so irresistible. Dechter answers every piano phrase with taste and authority, while Frank's walking bass line never loses its buoyant momentum. Together, they drive the music home with straightforward jazz.

The album succeeds throughout because it never tries to reinvent the Great American Songbook. Instead, it reminds us why these songs continue to inspire outstanding musicians who play with flawless technique, genuine swing, and obvious affection for the material.

Ray Noble's "The Very Thought of You" sets the stage for another surprise as the trio settles into a gorgeous reading of the song. The smoky after-hours ballad reveals another side of Jones' artistry, grounded in patience, touch and impeccable taste. Dechter offers subtle harmonic shading, while Frank quietly supports the performance without intruding.

The set closes with "Exactly Like You," a barn-burning rendition in which nothing feels rote, perfunctory, or overdetermined. In a final burst of energy, Jones unleashes dazzling runs, Dechter matches him with fiery responses, and Frank propels everything forward with unwavering authority.

This live session is a reminder that timeless songs, played by committed musicians who know how to listen as well as play, never go out of style.