Requisites

Groovin’ High ~ Hank Jones | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s discussion begins with a 1979 album by Hank Jones recalling the music of Bebop, Groovin’ High (Muse Records MR 5169). Hank was born in 1918 and was one of seven children. His mom sang, and his two older sisters also played piano. His two younger brothers, Thad and Elvin would also become successful jazz musicians. A pianist of great versatility, Hank recorded over sixty albums as a leader and appeared on numerous others as a sideman. The musicians he worked with over his extensive career reads like an Encyclopedia Britannica of Jazz. Hank’s backed by brother Thad Jones (tracks: A2, A3, B1 to B3) on cornet, Charlie Rouse (tracks: A2, A3, B2, B3) on tenor sax, Sam Jones on bass, and Mickey Roker on drums. My copy used in this report is the original US Stereo album.

Side One opens with a tune by Dizzy Gillespie titled Algo Bueno. If you don’t recognize the name, it’s better known as the jazz standard, Woody‘n You. The trio is firing on all cylinders from the start of the brightly swinging melody. Hank is up first and delivers evident enjoyment on the keys. Sam walks the bass next in a cheerful and lively performance before the threesome regroups for the ending. Anthropology by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker takes the tempo upward on the quintet’s melody. Charlie and Thad share solo duties on the lead solo, then each gives an individual statement. Hank responds with some vivacious notes next, followed by Sam and Mickey who contribute two concise comments ahead of the closing chorus.

Sippin’ at Bells by Miles Davis is up next and receives a samba treatment beginning with the quintet’s danceable theme after a brief trio introduction. Charlie takes the lead and displays incredible warmth in the opening statement. Sam steps up next for an attractive performance, followed by Thad who offers a superb example of choice notes in the third solo. Hank has the final word and closes with an especially lovely interpretation into the group’s exit. Blue Monk is the first of three tunes by Thelonious Monk in this set. The first side finale opens with the ensemble paying homage to a tune Monk recorded the most. Hank begins with an alluring reading, then Sam’s closing statement adds some gentle lines leading to the climax.

Dizzy Gillespie’s jazz standard, Groovin’ High begins Side Two as a quartet performance with Thad establishing a nice momentum on the theme using a mute. He continues with an endearing opening performance that winks to Dizzy as it unfolds. Hank breezes into the second reading making a profound impression, and Mickey exchanges a brief conversation with Thad and Hank before the close. Monk’s second contribution, I Mean You is a lively little jam affording everyone a solo opportunity and gets underway with the ensemble’s spirited theme. Rouse gets into a vivacious groove on the first reading. Thad swings sprightly on the second solo, then Hank comes next with an impressive interpretation. Sam follows with some solid bass lines and Mickey fuels the finale with some brisk brushwork.

Monk’s Jackie-ing starts deceptively at a relaxed tempo with the quintet playing a march, then Thad delivers some exciting fireworks on the first solo. Charlie cooks for a few scintillating choruses next. Hank shifts into high gear on the third reading and Mickey takes us home with a fiery finale culminating with the group’s reprise and slow fade. Groovin’ High was produced by Fred Seibert and Rudy Van Gelder was the man behind the dials. The sound quality of this album is first-rate. The instruments come alive with an impressive soundstage for an album that’s over four decades old. If you enjoy jazz piano, are a Bebop fan, or are just discovering this talented musician, I invite you to audition Groovin’ High by Hank Jones for a spot in your library. It’s a thoroughly entertaining album that’s a pleasure to hear any time of the day or evening!

~ Blue Monk, Groovin’ High, Woody’n You – Source: JazzStandards.com
~ Anthropology – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter


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