Oliver Jones Hank Jones - Pleased to Meet You

Artist:  Oliver Jones - Hank Jones
Title Of Album: PLEASED TO MEET YOU
Year Of Release: 2009
Label: Justin Time
Genre: Jazz
Format:  MP3@320
Sound Quality: FULL
Type: CD
Total Time: 52:56
Total Size: 112 MB

TRACKLIST:
01. What Am I Here For? [0:06:29]
02. Groove Merchant [0:05:18]
03. Ripples [0:04:19]
04. Makin' Whoopee [0:04:44]
05. I'll Remember April [0:05:19]
06. Star Eyes [0:06:09]
07. Blues For Big Scotia [0:04:55]
08. Cakewalk [0:04:38]
09. Monk's Mood [0:02:32]
10. I Remember OP [0:06:41]
11. Lonely Woman [0:01:48]
LINEUP:
Hank Jones (piano),
Oliver Jones (piano),
Brandi Disterheft (bass),
Jim Doxas (drums)
Duo piano recordings have been dismissed as a gimmick by many critics and even a few pianists, including the late Tommy Flanagan, but the pairing of two pianists often produces outstanding results. This is the case in the pairing of Oliver Jones (a Canadian who deserves to be better known worldwide) with the legendary Hank Jones, who remains active into his nineties and who has recorded duo piano albums with Flanagan, George Shearing, and Hank Jones, in addition to taking part in the one-off Jazz Piano Quartet with Dick Hyman, Sir Roland Hanna, and Marian McPartland. The sessions are a tribute in part to Oscar Peterson, as both men knew him well and Oliver studied piano with Peterson's sister. They add a rhythm section (bassist Brandi Disterheft and drummer Jim Doxas) on the first three tracks, highlighted by a soulful, gospel-inflected take of "Groove Merchant." Five of the remaining seven selections are duo piano sans rhythm section, including a romp through "Makin' Whoopee," an elegant "Star Eyes," and two powerful interpretations of Peterson originals "Blues for Big Scotia" and "Cakewalk." Hank Jones has two solo features, a thoughtful rendition of "Monk's Mood" and William Steigmeyer's rarely performed "Lonely Woman." Both pianists are on hand for Oliver Jones' warm tribute to Peterson, "I Remember OP." 
~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.


REVIEW:
What a great idea, recoding two top-flight pianists together, in duo, solo and with a rhythm section. Thus, we have the legendary Hank Jones and Canadian star Oliver Jones meeting in Montreal 2008, during the city’s jazz festival.
From Detroit, Jones, now 90, comes from the illustrious Jones family that gave the jazz world trumpeter/composer Thad Jones and the innovative powerhouse drummer, Elvin Jones. Hank has become one of recordings most called-upon performers, having appeared with most jazz greats for more than a half century. Still going strong, he shows in this CD why he is rated the best.
The younger Oliver Jones, 74, has played over the years in the glow of his mentor Oscar Peterson. The album, in fact, is partly a tribute to Peterson, who died at the time of the record date. Oliver’s style incorporates the phenomenal technique of Peterson; as heard here, however, he has clearly become his own man.
The two swing through a collection of standards with a couple of originals thrown in. In the hearing, the feeling emerges that they are happily doing their own thing, at the same time filling in and complementing each other's ideas. On the first three sides, the two pianos are joined by Brandi Disterheft, on bass, and Jim Doxas, drums.
Things start off with a resounding start on Ellington’s “What Am I Here For?“ Right away we’re also introduced to Disterheft’s inventive bass and Doxas’ infectious drumming. Next, “Groove Merchant” displays the delightful harmonic blending of the pianos.
In “Ripples,” echoes of great stride players from James P. Johnson to Waller are found in Hank’s play. Disterheft’s bass and Doxas’ brushes again push this along. And notice how the two Jones "tickle the ivories" in unison.
Their duo on “Star Eyes” is a masterful collaboration. Hank’s simple approach is supported and enhanced by Oliver’s swirling arpeggios. It's simply entrancing.
Hank plays two solos, a reflective take on “Monk’s Mood,” and for “Lonely Woman,” he again displays his taste and sensitivity. In a solo, Oliver shows his tender side, too, memorializing his hero in “I Remember OP.”
This match-up proves a gift for the listener. A delightful way to pass an hour listening.
Written by  Larry Taylor