Great Jazz Trio

Brothers Hank Jones and Elvin Jones met on record dates relatively few times during their long careers, but Elvin's taking over the drum chair in Hank's on-again, off-again Great Jazz Trio is a welcome addition. Together with bassist Richard Davis, the Jones brothers make sparks fly in this session of very familiar works, and all three men are in top form. Elvin's polyrhythms seem to ignite his elder brother in the hard-driving opener, "Caravan." Davis brings the late Milt Hinton to mind with his imaginative line underneath Hank's dancing piano, along with Elvin's immaculate brushwork. The leader's elegant treatment of the gorgeous ballad "A Child Is Born" (written by their late brother Thad) takes on a new poignancy. The pianist also keeps the often hackneyed "Satin Doll" fresh by adding a bit of dissonance. Davis' arco bass adds a humorous touch to "I'm Old Fashioned." The final track is a jaunty solo by Hank of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" that suggests the influence of Earl Hines. Sadly, this CD is evidently the final recording by the two brothers, as Elvin Jones passed away from heart failure in 2004. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide