Great Jazz Trio At The Village Vanguard CD

Hank Jones (Jazz)/Great Jazz Trio: Ron Carter (double bass); Tony Williams (drums); Hank Jones .
Personnel: Hank Jones (piano); Tony Ruption Williams (drums).
Audio Remixer: Tohru Kotetsu.
Recording information: 02/19/1977/02/20/1977.
Photographer: Tadayuki Naitoh.
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
The first of a series of three albums made by the Great Jazz Trio during an extended stint at the Village Vanguard in early 1977 is one of their best efforts. Pianist Hank Jones, the consistent figure in a group whose personnel changed over time, is accompanied by the outstanding bassist Ron Carter and fiery drummer Tony Williams. What is surprising about the opener, "Moose the Mooche," is that it is an extended showcase for Williams, an unusual way to open a live recording. Next is a superb extended arrangement by Jones of John Coltrane's "Naima" that reveals new possibilities within this landmark ballad. Claus Ogerman's "Favors" is another choice that is off the beaten path, but the trio's thoughtful treatment makes the most of it. Finally, Carter's quirky hard bop vehicle "12+12" leaves the captivated audience wanting more. The total time for this once hard-to-find album (initially issued by the Japanese label East Wind and briefly available in the U.S. on the long defunct Inner City label, before finally being reissued on CD by Test of Time in 2005) is rather brief for a CD, but the performances more than make it worth acquiring. ~ Ken DrydenJazzTimes (pp.100-101) - "Carter and William truly converse in 'Nardis,' and this was a well-integrated, great jazz trio."