Hank Jones - Relaxin' At Camarillo

Much credit has been given recently to Hank Jones. One of the most foremost pianists on the jazz scene of the '50s, Hank is slowly losing his tag of "under-rated star" and coming into his own. A much in-demand and much-recorded man, he has appeared on more dates, with more groups, to match even Erroll Garner's record of recorded performances. Savoy is infinitely proud of having Hank Jones as one of its featured stars, and chief of their classic "Trio" rhythm section (along with Wendell Marshall and Kenny Clarke). Savoy is doubly proud of having the exclusive right to Hank's services as a lider. Utilizing his many talents in several award-winning instrumental combinations previously, we therefore present now THE HANK JONES QUARTET. The set balancees two new jazz stars with two established masters for a new high in creative sound: Bobby Jaspar, the Belgian-born tenor sax and flute star who won the Jazz Critic's award as New Star this year, and Paul Chambers, another Detroit contribution to the local scene, is the veritable dynamo on this usually cumbersome instrument.

A well-rounded set of tunes from a well-rounded set of a fine jazz musicians.

*Ozzie Cadena (liner notes, 1956)*

Pianist Hank Jones recorded fairly extensively for Savoy during 1955-56, and most of the music was reissued on LPs in the late '70s and early '80s, although the performances have only partially appeared thus far on CD. For his final Savoy session, Jones is teamed with Bobby Jaspar (an excellent tenor player who here sticks exclusively to his fluent flute), bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Kenny Clarke. The music is quiet, but often swings hard. Jones is well featured on three underrated standards ("Moonlight Becomes You", and Cannonball Adderley's "Spontaneous Combustion" and a 12-minute rendition of "Relaxin' at Camarillo"), the obscure ballad "Sunday in Savannah" and his own "Minor Contention". This combination of musicians works together quite well. *Scott Yanow*

Hank Jones has made many memorable albums over his long career, but this 1956 session with Belgian flutist Bobby Jaspar is one that could easily get overlooked. Jaspar's melodious flute adds some magic to an already memorable arrangement of "Moonlight Becomes You". He also keeps up nicely with Jones in Charlie Parker's tricky blues line "Relaxin' at Camarillo". "Minor Conception" is a slightly exotic number by Jones, while Cannonball Adderley's "Spontaneous Combustion" wraps up the session with a flourish. Jones delivers his usual superb performance, while Paul Chambers has several fine solos, and drummer Kenny Clarke propels the date with his crisp brushwork. At just over 36 minutes, this music is well-worth acquiring. *Ken Dryden*

Early Hank Jones session for Savoy... A quartet session with Paul Chambers on bass, Kenny Clarke on drums, and Bobby Jaspar on flute. With a lineup like that, you can imagine how well the session stands up, and the added flute makes it groove in a way that stretches past the usual trio session from the time. Plus, the tracks are nice and long, which lets Jones show off his strong talent for warm lyrical soloing, especially on the tracks "Minor Contention" and "Spontaneous Combustion".  *dustygroove.com*

Side 1

1 - Moonlight Becomes You

(Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen)

2 - Relaxin' At Camarillo

(Charlie Parker)

Side 2

3 - Minor Contention

(Hank Jones)

4 - Sunday In Savannah

(Hugh McKay)

5 - Spontaneous Combustion

(Julian "Cannonball" Adderley)

Hank Jones (piano), Bobby Jaspar (flute), Paul Chambers (bass), Kenny Clarke (drums).

Recorded at Van Gelder Recording Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey, August 21, 1956.