CD Review: Mike Jones Trio - Plays Well With Others.

Mike Jones (pno); Mike Gurrola (bs); Jeff Hamilton (dms).

The world hasn't gone mad - not when there are records like this around! This is simply the best piano record I've heard since the heyday of Oscar Peterson. Strong words I know but it is so refreshing to hear a pianist who draws from the classic repertoire rather than his own compositions although Jones does have a couple of his own pieces included.

Box Viewing Blues and Obscuro Blues. Fine, but it is what he does with tunes such as Besame Mucho, Harold Adamson's It's a Wonderful World - not to be confused with the tune Satchmo was associated with - this is a swinging number that is as good as any song with wonderful in the title and better than many that don't! - a sensitive Detour Ahead, a rockin' I'm Walkin', I'm Old Fashioned and maybe I am but I love to hear a pianist who recognises that a piano has 88 notes and who uses them with both hands. This is an impossible record to review other than to say go out and buy ten copies because you'll wear the other nine out very quickly.

And if you still have any doubts, let me remind you that Jeff Hamilton's on drums. - he could swing an elephant in a phone booth!

Still not convinced? then listen to the bass lines that Gurrola puts down!

This is my record of the year unless the deaths of Tatum, Garner and Peterson have been greatly exaggerated.

Where have you been hiding Mike? - I see, Vegas huh? Well look, if you ever come to the UK we'd love to hear you at one of the jazz bars in Newcastle...I might pay a visit to my local bookie joint (betting shop) to try and make it possible... .

Mike Jones Trio - Plays Well With Others is available on Capri Records from Sept. 17.

Lance.