THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - N.Y. Sophisticate : A Tribute to Duke Ellington (1983-1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Hank Jones is one of the most gifted jazz pianists of the second half of the 20th century, and this salute to Duke Ellington is only slightly blemished by the sometimes overbearing string arrangements by Masahiko Satoh. His trio, with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jimmy Cobb, sticks to familiar selections from the vast Ellington songbook, with Jones occasionally switching to a Fender Rhodes electric piano or celeste. Happily the strings are omitted from cookers such as "C Jam Blues" and "Take the 'A' Train." Worth searching for. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     In a Sentimental Mood 4:51
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
2     C Jam Blues 4:44
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington
3     Mood Indigo 4:29
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
4     Satin Doll 4:12
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
5     Lush Life 3:27
Billy Strayhorn
6     Sophisticated Lady 4:53
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
7     Take the 'A' Train 3:35
Billy Strayhorn
8     I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 4:44
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
9     Caravan 4:06
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Juan Tizol
10     Solitude 4:40
Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Masahiko Satoh
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Piano – Hank Jones
Strings – The Strings Quartet

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Monk's Moods (1984) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     'Round About Midnight 6:10
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
2     Blue Monk 5:50
Thelonious Monk
3     Bemsha Swing 4:58
Denzil Best / Thelonious Monk
4     Misterioso 5:32
Thelonious Monk
5     I Mean You 5:57
Coleman Hawkins / Thelonious Monk
6     Ruby, My Dear 4:58
Thelonious Monk
7     Monk's Dream 4:15
Thelonious Monk
8     Jackie-Ing 4:13
Thelonious Monk
9     Monk's Mood
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez (faixas: 1 to 8)
Cornet – Terumasa Hino (faixas: 1, 5)
Drums – Jimmy Cobb (faixas: 1 to 8)
Piano, Keyboards [Yamaha DX-7], Arranged By – Hank Jones

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Great Jazz Trio Standard Collection (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     'S Wonderful 4:42
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2     Autumn in New York 3:58
Vernon Duke
3     Love Is Here to Stay 3:54
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
4     Someone to Watch over Me 4:42
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5     Isn't It Romantic? 4:07
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6     Embraceable You 4:19
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
7     In a Sentimental Mood 4:51
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
8     Satin Doll 4:12
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
9     Lush Life 3:27
Billy Strayhorn
10     Sophisticated Lady 4:53
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
11     Take the "A" Train 3:35
Billy Strayhorn
12     Caravan 4:06
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Juan Tizol
13     Blue Monk 5:50
Thelonious Monk
14     Ruby, My Dear 4:58
Thelonious Monk
15     Monk's Dream 4:15
Thelonious Monk
16     Monk's Mood 2:38
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Cello – Hiroto Kawamura (faixas: 7-12)
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Piano – Hank Jones
Violin – Hiroshi Watanabe (faixas: 7-12), Lewis Eley (faixas: 2, 4 & 5), Takashi Katoh (faixas: 7-12), Tetsuo Yamada (faixas: 7-12)

GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Flowers for Lady Day (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless

When you name your group the Great Jazz Trio, you generally run the risk of being called arrogant and had better have a lot to back it up. But if your trio consists of pianist Hank Jones, drummer Roy Haynes, and bassist George Mraz, that name isn't an example of arrogance or conceit -- it's a statement of fact. Forming a very cohesive trio, Jones, Haynes, and Mraz pay tribute to Billie Holiday on Flowers for Lady Day. This 1991 session finds the veteran improvisers embracing mostly songs that Holiday recorded, including "Lover Man" and "Don't Explain" -- both of which she defined. However, you won't hear "Gloomy Sunday," "My Man," "Good Morning, Heartache," "Strange Fruit," or "God Bless the Child" on this CD -- most of the other songs are standards that Holiday recorded but didn't necessarily define. "I'm A Fool to Want You," for example, was defined by Frank Sinatra -- and while Lady Day recorded a superb hit version of "Easy Living" in 1937, her version wasn't the only famous one. Nonetheless, the Great Jazz Trio's affection for Holiday's legacy comes through loud and clear. Post-swing pianism doesn't get much more lyrical and melodic than Jones, and his interpretations of melodies that Holiday embraced are every bit as rewarding as one would expect. Flowers for Lady Day is easily recommended to Holiday and Jones fans alike. by Alex Henderson  
Tracklist :
1     Sometimes I'm Happy 4:23
Irving Caesar / Clifford Grey / Vincent Youmans
2     I'll Never Smile Again 5:26
Ruth Lowe
3     Love Me or Leave Me 5:10
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
4     You Don't Know What Love Is 5:41
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
5     Baby Won't You Please Come Home 4:01
Charles Warfield / Clarence Williams
6     Lover Man 6:22
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
7     Easy Living 5:38
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
8     I'm a Fool to Want You 5:51
Joel Herron / Frank Sinatra / Jack Wolf
9     Time Warp 4:33
Hank Jones
10     Don't Explain 7:21
Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Roy Haynes
Piano – Hank Jones

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - 'S Wonderful (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Since launching the Great Jazz Trio in the 1970s, Hank Jones has been accompanied by many different rhythm sections, though this one, with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jack DeJohnette, ranks alongside any of them. In spite of a life-threatening diagnosis that resulted in emergency surgery a couple of years earlier, the pianist, 85 at the time of the sessions, is very much at the top of his game. The diverse program delves into standards from the swing era (an explosive "'S Wonderful" and a jaunty take of "Sweet Lorraine"), a subtle arrangement of the gospel-inflected "Moanin'," along with the surprising choice of "Take Five" in a blues-drenched setting. Patitucci's warm arco bass introduces the haunting take of the centuries-old "Green Sleeves," backed by Jones' spacious piano and DeJohnette's delicate percussion, while the leader's inventive improvisation that follows proves that there is plenty of room for exploration of this still popular song. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     'S Wonderful 4:00
George Gershwin
2     Sweet Lorraine 4:38
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish
3     Moanin' 6:44
Bobby Timmons
4     The Days of Wine and Roses 4:47
Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
5     Take Five 6:49
Paul Desmond
6     I Surrender Dear 5:34
Harry Barris / Gordon Clifford
7     Night Train 5:41
Jimmy Forrest / Oscar Washington
8     Lover Come Back to Me 6:33
Sigmund Romberg
9     Greensleeves 6:23
Traditional
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Hank Jones

ART FARMER & THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Ambrosia (1984) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Windmills Of Your Mind 6:06
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand
2    Once Upon A Summertime 5:11
Written-By – Eddie Barclay, Eddy Marnay, Michel Legrand
3    Watch What Happens 4:34
Written-By – Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand
4    What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life 5:53
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand
5    You Must Believe In Spring 5:10
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand
6    The Years Of My Youth 5:23
Written-By – Hal Shaper, Jean Dréjac, Michel Legrand
7    The Summer Knows 5:25
Written-By – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand
8    I Will Wait For You 5:28
Written-By – Jacques Demy, Michel Legrand, Norman Gimbel
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Masahiko Satoh
Bass – Eddie Gomez, Toshio Katayama
Cello – Hiroto Kawamura, Yoh Kigoshi
Concertmaster, Violin – Takashi Katoh
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Flugelhorn – Art Farmer
Piano – Hank Jones
Viola – Hiroshi Watanabe, Shunichi Hirayama
Violin – Chizuko Tsunoda, Etsuo Ejiri, Hiromichi Hara, Hiroshi Ikeda, Kaori Koyamatsu, Kunihiro Kohno, Masao Kawabata, Setsuka Ryu, Takashi Fukumori

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO – The Great Jazz Trio at the Village Vanguard (1978-2006) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

No matter which edition one hears of the Great Jazz Trio, leader Hank Jones can be counted upon to deliver the goods. This live LP, originally recorded for the Japanese label East Wind and briefly available in the U.S. on Inner City prior to its premature demise, showcases excerpts from two evenings at the Village Vanguard. On this occasion, Jones is ably accompanied by Ron Carter and Tony Williams, so it is no surprise the fireworks begin right away with an exciting interpretation of Charlie Parker's "Moose the Mooche." Jones immediately cools the crowd with an expressive arrangement of John Coltrane's beautiful ballad "Naima." The pianist previously recorded Claus Ogerman's "Favors" two years earlier for his LP Hanky Panky, but this extended version proves to be an even better post-bop vehicle. Ron Carter's bluesy "12+12" proves to be a suitable closing number for this rewarding live date. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 Moose The Mooch 6:06
Written-By – Charlie Parker
2 Naima 11:41
Written-By – John Coltrane
3 Favors 9:35
Written-By – Claus Ogerman
4 12+12 9:27
Written-By – Ron Carter
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Hank Jones

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - The Great Jazz Trio at the Village Vanguard Vol. 2 (1977-2005) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second in a series of three albums recorded by the Great Jazz Trio at the Village Vanguard in 1977, it features the original lineup of Hank Jones, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. Jones leads the way with his always elegant boppish arrangements; there are also plenty of solo opportunities for his bandmates in these intimate recordings, which give you the feeling of sitting right in front of the bandstand. It's hard to overlook their extended workouts of two jazz standards, Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and Miles Davis' "Nardis" (the latter opening with a delightful improvised solo introduction by the leader). "Nardis," in particular, which was all but owned by Bill Evans because of his many recordings of it, sounds rather different in the hands of the Great Jazz Trio, sounding far more subtle and with a slight Latin flavor at times. But the trio also knows how to build the tension playing this modal masterpiece. The beautiful ballad "Wind Flower" deserves wider recognition, particularly this stunning effort, as does Tony Williams' powerful "Lawra." Long out of print, Test of Time finally licensed this recommended concert album for reissue as a CD in 2005. by Ken Dryden 
Tracklist:
1 Confirmation 9:54
Charlie Parker
2 Wind Flower 8:16
Sara Cassey
3 Nardis 11:03
Miles Davis
4 Lawra 8:53
Tony Williams
Credits:
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Hank Jones

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Autumn Leaves (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The Great Jazz Trio was a working cooperative working with various lineups led by Hank Jones in during the 1970s and 1980s, but the revival of this defunct group finds Jones joined by two newcomers to the group, seasoned veterans Richard Davis on bass and the leader's brother, Elvin Jones, on drums. Oddly enough, the two brothers have recorded together very infrequently during their long careers, so this opportunity must have been special to them. The opening track signals a different direction for the group, with Elvin's explosive solo stealing the show in "Autumn Leaves." The pianist's imaginative arrangement of "Yesterdays" begins as a stunning solo before Davis' sparse bass and Elvin's brushes join him. The buoyant treatment of Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa" finds Hank in a humorous mood, inserting several brief quotes from well-known works such as "Hot House" and "Blue Skies." The trio is clearly cooking by the time it recorded the percolating take of Oliver Nelson's "Six and Four." Hopefully, this delightful date by the Great Jazz Trio will result in a follow-up recording session. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist:
1 Autumn Leaves 5:27
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
2 Yesterdays 6:36
Jerome Kern
3 Rhythm-A-Ning 4:13
Thelonious Monk
4 Blue Bossa 4:44
Kenny Dorham
5 Take the "A" Train 6:22
Billy Strayhorn
6 Summertime 5:53
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
7 Caravan 6:20
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Juan Tizol
8 Six and Four 4:43
Oliver Nelson
9 My Funny Valentine 5:00
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
10 Bye Bye Blackbird 5:34
Mort Dixon / Ray Henderson
Credits:
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Hank Jones

THE GREAT JAZZ TRIO - Someday my Prince Will Come (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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. by Ken Dryden 
Tracklist:
1 Caravan 6:38
Duke Ellington / Juan Tizol
2 Softly as in a Morning Sunrise 6:30
Sigmund Romberg
3 Moose the Mooche 5:22
Charlie Parker
4 A Child Is Born 5:10
Thad Jones
5 Satin Doll 5:22
Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn
6 Someday My Prince Will Come 4:46
Frank Churchill
7 The Shadow of Your Smile 6:53
Johnny Mandel
8 Long Ago and Far Away 5:57
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
9 You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 5:13
Cole Porter
10 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes 4:48
Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern
Credits:
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Hank Jones