Oliver Jones - Live in Baden Switzerland (2011)

After the late Oscar Peterson, Oliver Jones is likely one of the best-known pianists native to Canada. This concert was recorded in Baden, Switzerland in 1990, but wasn't issued until the spring of 2012. The pianist is joined by two expatriate Americans, bassist Reggie Johnson and drummer Ed Thigpen (who worked in Oscar Peterson's trio) for the performance and they gel together quite nicely. Jones' style has some Peterson-like flourishes at times, particularly in the opening to the breezy setting of "Falling in Love with Love" and his dazzling right hand in "Emily." The pianist's robust interpretation of Freddie Hubbard's jazz waltz "Up Jumped Spring" displays a master's touch, while his gospel roots are showcased in his energetic, extended workout of the hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee." Jones also excels as a composer with his deliberate, glistening blues "Something for Chuck" and his infectious, in-the-pocket "Blues for Helen." It's hard not to invite comparisons to Oscar Peterson in Jones' lyrical, thoughtful solo rendition of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight." It's only fitting that Oliver Jones concludes his set with Peterson's dramatic, gospel-drenched "Hymn to Freedom." This concert is easily one of the high points of Oliver Jones' discography. © Ken Dryden