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Mike Jones: Plays Well With Others
ByAnother pianist Jones draws from is Red Garland whose expertise with block chords was always impressive. Jones easily navigates a block chord melody, making the keys sound like an entire orchestra. All of these characteristics are in evidence on Plays Well With Others, Jones' follow-up to 2002's Stretching Out (Chiaroscuro Records).
Jones' repertoire is eclectic while orbiting that of Ralph Sutton and Dick Hyman. He possesses a great stride boogie- woogie left-hand and a right one that knows no fear. Jones kicks the disc off with a vigorous "Besame Mucho," where he employs his block chords like mallets on the keys. The rhythm section of bassist Mike Gurrola and drummer Jeff Hamilton are equally locked in to Jones' fundamental groove.
Standards "September Song," "I'm Old Fashioned" and "I Thought About You" have a beautiful aural sepia tone that contrasts well the solid, "It's A Wonderful World" and "Detour Ahead." These songs are Jones' bread and butter and he turns them into concert pieces in this trio. But it is the blues that Jones has a supreme handle on, just like Gene Harris before him. Jones' two originals: "Box Viewing Blues" and "Obscuro Blues" are rollicking rides in a fast car.
Track Listing
Besame Mucho; It’s A Wonderful World; September Song; I Know Why And So Do You; Box Viewing Blues; Detour Ahead; Day By Day; Corcovado; I’m Walkin’; Deed I Do; I’m Old Fashioned; I Thought About You; Obscuro Blues.
Personnel
Mike Jones
pianoMike Jones: piano; Mike Gurrola: bass; Jeff Hamilton: drums.
Album information
Title: Plays Well With Others | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Capri Records