Jimmy Jones - The Splendid Mr. Jones - Trio & Solo (2023)

James Henry Jones (1928-1982) was born in Memphis but spent his formative years in Chicago. “I always liked music,” he said. “Guess that was only natural as my father was a choir director and my mother played a little piano.”

His first attempt at creating music was at the age of 13 when he started playing the guitar. Later, Jimmy became interested in harmony and began experimenting at the family piano at the age of sixteen. During his formative years, Jimmy Jones developed a deep appreciation for two influential figures in jazz: Art Tatumand Duke Ellington. He had a natural ability to play the right chords and provide accompaniment for singers in the ensembles he worked with. Gradually, he developed the necessary technique and became a proficient pianist.

Jimmy Jones first gained attention in 1943 at Chicago’s Garrick, playing with Stuff Smith. His intense expression accompanied a technical skill at the piano that was bound to capture the listener's attention, whether alone or in combination with others. This talent proved to be a great asset when, later that year, he moved to New York and became exposed to the vibrant jazz scene on 52nd Street.

Primarily occupied by his celebrated and continuous work as an accompanist and arranger for Sarah Vaughan, as well as many other great voices, Jimmy Jones had limited opportunities throughout his career to showcase his remarkable abilities as a soloist. Thus, the recordings featured here serve as a testament to his uncanny ability to strike a delicate balance of restraint and richness, showcasing his nuanced playing and artistic mastery as a highly sensitive musician.

The genesis of his chordal style is the story of his musical beginnings, and it is through this journey that “The Splendid Mr. Jones” leaves an indeliblemark on the history of jazz and piano performance.