Hank Jones - Bop Redux / Groovin' High (2009)

This is essentially a bebop jam session, but due to the participation of cornetist/arranger Thad Jones, the music has its surprises. Pianist Hank Jones (Thad's brother), unrelated bassist Sam Jones, drummer Mickey Roker and tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse team up in different combinations during seven jazz standards that date back to the bebop era. "Algo Bueno" and "Blue Monk" are features for the rhythm section; "Groovin' High" is an unusual cornet-piano-drums trio made possible by the strength of Hank Jones' left hand; four tunes including "Anthropology," which has a very advanced arrangement for the melody, and a samba version of "Sippin' at Bells," showcase the full group. Although currently out of print, hopefully this superior Muse album will reappear on the 32 Jazz label in time.

Veteran pianist Hank Jones teams up with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Ben Riley for a set of high-quality explorations of eight bop standards; four apiece by Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. Jones is sensitive on the ballads and lightly but firmly swinging on the more uptempo material. Typically tasteful performances come from one of the greats.