Hank Jones - The New York Rhythm Section

2004 European CD collection.

During the second half of the 1950s, pianist Hank Jones, guitarist Barry Galbraith, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Osie Johnson were constantly in demand for studio dates, recording in a countless number of settings. The music on this CD, which is an entire LP plus a few related selections by the same quartet, features the rhythm section as its own entity. Trombonist Jimmy Cleveland guests on three numbers and there are individual features for Hinton and Galbraith although Jones is generally the lead soloist. The music falls between swing and bop (just like Jones' style), ranging from a variety of melodic and catchy originals to Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear." The music features each of the musicians in prime form and is particularly valuable for the Galbraith solos since the guitarist did not record often enough in small-group jazz settings. Recommended."
- Scott Yanow