Elvin Jones Music

Not only does this recording feature three of the most influential musicians of their respective instruments, but it also features them in top form. Tyner and Jones sound as good here as any of their monster recordings with Coltrane, and Ron Carter is in his usual top-bass-player-in-jazz form (check out his solo on "impressions"!). The trio lets it fly for most of the recording, and ending on a more mellow note with a nice rendition of Monk's "ruby, my dear". May be my only knock on the recording is its length: 41:00, in that McCoy is someone I enjoy listening to for extended periods. Oh well, have the cd changer ready.

Tyner really lets it loose here. This simple trio action contains more action and energy than any big band. Tyner is one of the most fiery, dynamic pianists out there.

Elvin Jones has never sounded bigger and louder on the drums either, (especially on Sir Jones). Tyner also adds to the mix by dabbling on harpschord during a few of the pieces. If you were turned off by some of Tyner's noiser Milestone work (Atlantis) or some of the more boring stuff (Fly with the Wind) pick this one up for sure.

One of my all time favorite recordings by the " master" . He is , without doubt, the greatest pianist alive today-period. His control,speed with both hands,the density and depth, harmonic, rythmic, and melodic concepts are "other-worldly". He is the standard by whom all other Jazz pianists must be measured . It is a reflection of the man. However, I must say my all time favorite recording by him is "Atlantis". And yet, he has never disappointed me in any of his recordings. I love his music.

Were you to wander into an intimate jazz club one night and see this trio on the bandstand, leaving for home might seem an unbearable option. Quite simply, this is as powerful and put-together a jazz trio as you will ever encounter, and all three players are in top form. Tyner is blindingly fast, but there's more to it than that, he's got feeling, passion, intensity, and a polyrhythmic mentality that enables him to be everywhere at once. Elvin Jones, longtime collaborator, was easily one of the best drummers in jazz, maybe the best. Here he is as athletic and committed as he's ever been, which is saying something. Ron Carter's involvement is far more primary than what's usually expected from the bass, this is very much a trio and Carter is clearly contributing every step of the way. It would be hard to find a jazz cd where the three members of a trio are more seamlessly and evenly integrated - they synchronized their watches and left the station, generating more force than the average diesel locomotive along the way. There is little need to specify standouts on this cd, it is uniformly superb. But then, consider the source.

This is, for me, McCoy Tyner's greatest ever recording. A pianist of his power and conceptual brilliance is best suited for the purity of a trio, and with Ron Carter and Elvin Jones, plus the superb selection of tunes, the album is a wonder. It also contains my favourite McCoy original, "Land of the Lonely". It doesn't get any better than this. A timeless classic. Piano players will be shaking their heads in disbelief.

Elvin is always great, no less so in this, his final (until they discover another) CD, but the highlight for me was Michael Brecker.
Over the years, I have compiled a collection of Body and Soul renditions, now at about 170; Brecker's sax solo on this is right up there with the very best. There is a great Latin version done by Hilton Ruiz, Betty Carter's vocals, and lots of musicians of all styles having a lot of fun with it. But dig Michael Brecker, and wish him good health!

The truth is Elvin Jones stood alone in the category of greatest jazz drummers of all time. His style and sense of swing for his style of music was unmatched.

The Truth is no less of a tribute to the man and his supreme ablities on the drum kit. Three Card Molly is featured on Elvin's first solo album in 1971 and also on his last album The Truth. Elvin never lost it. He left us far too soon.

This is more like 9 stars not 5! This is amazing stuff. #5 is amazing stuff. Like really amazing,amazing stuff. If I were you,I'd get it. If i didn't get this,I passed on a amazing thing. This is like heaven on earth. Also if this sells well the more stuff under his name.

Don't wait to pick up this great live set from Elvins birthday celebration at the Blue Note. This was recorded during Elvin's final playing phase, and shows the fruits of a lifetime in jazz.
Elvins band mates are too good...You know, it's as tight as a drum.. (sorry, couldn't help it) Out of the 25 Cds and 1 Mosaic box set, this ranks as near no. 1 in my book. cheers jb