Jo Jones

Jo Jones is probably best known for his work with Count Basie, but his small-group dates as a leader, though overlooked, are also very rewarding. The veteran drummer is joined by pianist Ray Bryant and his brother, bassist Tommy Bryant, who both worked with Jones between 1957 and 1960. The trio is effortlessly swinging through two contrasting interpretations of "I Got Rhythm," and a version of "Jive at Five" features Jones drumming with just his hands. Equally enjoyable are the trio's treatments of "Greensleeves" and standards like "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Embraceable You," which they could have likely played in their sleep. The pulsating closing blues "Little Susie" is a collaborative effort. While Everest developed a reputation as a budget label in the 1970s due to poor packaging and its frequent omission credits for the musicians and composers, this 1959 LP treats the musicians with the respect they deserve, adding warm liner notes by Nat Hentoff. This long-unavailable album will be somewhat difficult to find. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide