Hank Jones - In Copenhagen Live at Jazzhus Slukefter 1983 (STORYVILLE RECORDS 2018)

The American pianist Hank Jones could, spanning his 65 year career, always be counted on for a joyful presence on the jazz scene, playing sparkling piano solos that uplifted every group that was wise enough to hire him. This set of previously unreleased music from June 6, 1983 puts the spotlight of one of the most consistent geniuses in jazz history.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Jazzhus Slukefter in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, was the site for a large number of live recordings release by Storyville. Hank Jones brought Danish bassist Mads Vinding with him, a bassist with a large sound, the ability to take very original solos, and a love for straight ahead jazz. The third name on the stage was drummer Shelly Mane, whose career was as prolific as Jones’, and who added color and life to every group. This 1983 concert consists of nine jazz standards. Jones takes the lion’s share of the solo spots, changing his style between that of a classical bebop pianist and other times swinging elegantly like Teddy Wilson. The masterful trio comes up with creative variations and give all the songs on the release rewardingly fresh treatments.

Hank Jones (1918-2010) was born in Mississippi and was an early inspiration for his two younger brothers, both of whom would become all-time greats: cornetist Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones. He immediately became part of the jazz major leagues once he relocated to New York where he embraced the bebop of Bud Powell without abandoning his roots in swing. Tasteful and lightly swinging, Hank Jones would always be thought of as a class act. His non-stop activity with countless bands, orchestras and musicians only ended when ageless Hank Jones passed away in 2010. Musically, he never declined.

The result of the 1983 Slukefter session is an enjoyable hour of music that, after sitting unheard for over 30 years, sounds as fresh as if it were recorded yesterday.

1 Just Friends (Live) 6:58

2 Au Privave (Live) 7:40

3 Alone Together (Live) 9:47

4 Stablemates (Live) 4:43

5 It Could Happen to You (Live) 6:12

6 Scrapple from the Apple (Live) 4:59

7 Budo (Live) 7:01

8 Tangerine (Live) 6:08

9 What's New (Live) 8:24

Hank Jones piano

Mads Vinding bass

Shelly Manne drums

Enrico Pieranunzi / Mads Vinding / Alex Riel - Yesterdays (Live) SUNDANCE MUSIC 2017

Mads Vinding 4tet - Standards (STORYVILLE RECORDS 2017)

A live jazz concert with some of Denmark’s brightest jazz musicians

Last year the record ”Walk With Me” was released to great critical acclaim. It featured a collaborative project spanning beautiful ballads and swinging jazz, completed by a handful of the most hard-working and skilled Danish jazz musicians. A little while later, three of the original players gathered for a memorable evening in the concert hall of Amager Bio.

The bassist Mads Vinding ties the quartet together with his confident style. Vinding has played with all of the legends of jazz, and is often mentioned as the musical heir of late NHØP.

The pianist and composer Carsten Dahl takes the keys. His play is, as always, playful and technically skilled. Carsten Dahl is a highly productive musicians, but his work never lacks quality – instead, his piano is rich with experience.

Above all soars the unique voice of Margrete Grarup. She manages to balance force and delicacy and always retains a certain humility even when her powerful voice is at its most expressive. 

Niclas Campagnol plays the drums, a recent addition to the original group. A regular on the Danish jazz stage, he easily complements the others with cool and understated rhythm.

The mood is audibly lively, and the musicians clearly long to entertain as they invite the audience along on the journey.

01 Love for sale

03 Autumn Leaves

04 You dont know what love is

05 Everyday I have the Blues

06 Blame it on my youth

07 Over the rainbow

Mads Vinding (bass)

Margrete Grarup (vocal)

Carsten Dahl (piano)

Niclas Campagnol (drums)