Have You Met This Jones? Hank Jones

• 1 There's a Small Hotel 05:03
• 2 Portions 07:37
• 3 The Oregon Grinder 04:23
• 4 I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good 05:12
• 5 We're All Together 05:45
• 6 Like Someone In Love 04:34
• 7 Now's the Time 05:19
• 8 Robbins Nest 06:27
• Total Runtime 44:20

Info for Have You Met This Jones?

MPS chose “Have You Met This Jones” as the title for this album because of the wordplay on “Have You Met Miss Jones”, the hit standard that has been recorded by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Robbie Williams. This Jones is Hank Jones, the oldest of three brothers, all of whom have their place in jazz history. Thad, a masterful trumpet player, co-led one of the most important big bands of the 1960’s and 70’s. Elvin, a great innovative drummer, anchored one of the legendary bands in jazz, The John Coltrane Quartet. Hank Jones (1918-2010) was one of the most in-demand pianists in jazz. His versatility made it possible for him to play with such uncompromising beboppers as Charlie Parker, various Jazz at the Philharmonic combos, and in big bands accompanying Ella Fitzgerald.

“Jones’ telephone must have been constantly ringing, since he was always underway.” is how the British jazz writer Alun Morgan phrased it. In June 1962 an urgent call came from New York’s Madison Square Garden; Jones rushed to the engagement, and then accompanied Marilyn Monroe as she sang the legendary birthday song for John Kennedy.

Of course, this exceptionally gifted side man also recorded a solo album and led a trio in the 1950’s with bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Kenny Clarke. Jones played several of the pieces from his successful album “The Trio” on this MPS production. His European partners, Swiss bassist Isla Eckinger and German drummer Kurt Bong, fully measure up to their famous American colleague.”

Hank Jones, piano
Isla Eckinger, double bass
Kurt Bong, drums

Recorded August 1/2, 1977 at MPS-Studio, Villingen
Engineered by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer
Produced by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer

Digitally remastered

Hank Jones a member of the famous jazz family that includes brothers cornetist Thad and drummer Elvin, served as a pianist in a vast array of settings, always lending a distinctive, swinging sensibility to the sessions. Although born in Mississippi, Jones grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, listening to such performers as Earl Hines, Fats Waller, and Art Tatum. A performer by the time he was 13, Jones played with territory bands that toured Michigan and Ohio. In one such band he met saxophonist Lucky Thompson, who got him a job in the Hot Lips Page band in 1944, prompting Jones' move to New York.
Once in New York, Jones became exposed to bebop, embracing the style in his playing and even recording with Charlie Parker. Meanwhile, he took jobs with such bandleaders as John Kirby, Coleman Hawkins, Andy Kirk, Billy Eckstine, and Howard McGhee. He toured with Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic from 1947-51. As a result, he became Ella Fitzgerald's pianist, touring with her from 1948-53. These experiences served to broaden his musical palette and sophistication.
A consummate freelancer, Jones found work with artists such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Milt Jackson, and Cannonball Adderley. The versatility Jones acquired through such affiliations served him well when he joined the staff of CBS as a studio musician, remaining for 17 years. Although his studio work found him working on productions like the Ed Sullivan Show, Jones continued his touring and recording experiences in a variety of settings. His broad range and ability to fit in different settings also landed him in Broadway stage bands, where he served as pianist and conductor for such shows as Ain't Misbehavin'.
Jones was the first regular pianist in brother Thad's co-led orchestra with Mel Lewis, beginning in 1966. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Jones continued to be much in demand for record dates and tours. Among his affiliations was the Great Jazz Trio, a cooperative unit with Ron Carter and Tony Williams, who were later supplanted by Buster Williams and Ben Riley. Jones has also experienced his share of piano duos, with the likes of Tommy Flanagan -- with whom he became acquainted when both were developing around the Detroit area -- George Shearing, and John Lewis.
In 2008, Jones received the National Medal of Arts and the following year the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. As a leader and valued sideman, Jones can be found on thousands of recordings.

This album contains no booklet.