Legendary jazz pianist Hank Jones dies

[tishaLA]

Source: Detroit Free Press

<....> Jones, the eldest and sole surviving brother of the three Jones boys of Pontiac who became legendary figures in jazz, died Sunday in a New York hospital at age 91 after a short illness. Jones — who worked with everyone from Benny Goodman to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and contemporary figures like Joe Lovano — was revered for his aristocratic touch, relaxed elan, encyclopedic stylistic breadth and note-perfect clarity.

>In recent decades, no living pianist was more admired by his peers, who packed his gigs, elbow-to-elbow, spellbound by every melodic pirouette and magical twist of harmony. “Hank was the perfect pianist,” said pianist Bill Charlap, speaking both for himself and his wife, Renee Rosnes, also a pianist.

“He was a consummate artist and a consummate professional. He had it all. He played the past, the present and the future all at the same time, and he set the highest standard of excellence for a pianist.” <...>

Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20100517/ENT04/100517032/Legendary-jazz-pianist-Hank-Jones-dies

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Hank with Buddy Rich, Bird, Ray Brown, Colman Hawkins, Lady Ella, Flip Phillips, etc: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MVGxY-mnz4

RIP Mr Jones. We have lost a legend.

[maxsolomon]

1. some of the tastiest jazz i've ever enjoyed

this record is phenomenal:
http://www.discogs.com/Charlie-Haden--Hank-Jones-Steal-Away-Spirituals-Hymns-And-Folk-Songs/release/827172

[tishaLA]

3. I'd forgotten I have that CD. Thanks for reminding me.

I think I'm going to go out and get some wine then celebrate Mr Jones' life....

[Robb]

2. Wow. I just listened to some Hank Jones

...last weekend at a friend's house. He was showing off his latest sound system -- vintage tube amps, turntable on a big wooden block etc. Sounded like the piano was in the room.

RIP indeed.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

4. Everybody should listen to his work on Cannonball Adderley's "Somethin' Else."

Also featuring Miles Davis and Art Blakey.

[upi402]

5. That was a great 15 minutes

The vid clip I mean. That piano will last an eternity, no silly 15 minutes of fame for a true gift like that.

[the bat]

6. Performance

He was at his best when he played BEBOP with the Gene Krupa trio (w/ Willie Smith on sax).