Hank Jones Quartet & Quintet - Featuring Donald Byrd

2008 European CD release.

One of the finest talents in modern jazz, Hank Jones has long been recognised for his considerable contributions to the field. Here, he surrounded himself with some kindred spirits. On three tracks, he heads a quartet with Donald Byrd, Eddie Jones and Kenny Clarke. On another three, thethen-new trumpeter Matty Dice was added to the combo. The rhythm section is excellent all the way, with Jones, as usual, unhurried and thoroughly tasteful; on the ballads he evokes more reflective beauty of conception than almost any other of his contemporary pianists. Bassist Jones of the Basie band is also heard in a few full-toned solos, and Clarke holds a pulsating, steady line that could let a soloist walk on the water. Byrd is here at his best on all tracks; his tone, phrasing, and ideas are remarkable, and his performance on the two ballads is superb. Herbie Mann joins the group as a guest for the closing tune of this CD, offering some free-flowing, remarkably cohesive variations on Charlie Parkers Bluebird.