Jo Jones

The Everest Years reissues in full the albums Jo Jones Trio and Vamp 'Till Ready, two of drummer Jo Jones' three sets for Everest, bypassing a duet album with Milt Hinton titled Percussion and Bass. The first half of the program has Jones heading a trio with pianist Ray Bryant (who was a new discovery at the time) and bassist Tommy Bryant. Although not as well known as the same group's Vanguard recording of the time, there are plenty of fine moments during this project and Jones shows off his expertise with brushes. The remainder of the CD is in a Count Basie groove, a sextet date with trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, Jimmy Forrest on tenor, trombonist Bennie Green, pianist Tommy Flanagan, and bassist Tommy Potter. Some songs only use one or two of the horns, but each player gets his spot. Edison was very consistent during the era and Forrest has a few muscular tenor solos. Fans of small group swing and drummers who want to hear Jones in a couple of well-recorded sets will enjoy this CD. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide