Helt otroligt (absolutely amazing, in Swedish). That’s what I said to myself after playing this album that I just got in. Listened to it a few times digitally before I acquired it and put it on the turntable for the first time today and listened to it, and it’s already one of my favorite albums in the Riverside catalogue, and favorite albums overall in my collection.
Elmo Hope had an extended stay in Los Angeles before he was welcomed back to New York a refreshed man, after personal problems and a withdrawn New York City Cabaret Card. This album is a testament to what a lovely musician and composer Hope was. He composed all the tunes here except for one. Truly beautiful, smoothly performed tunes which sounds absolutely immense on this original mono pressing. On the slow paced tunes he plays so profoundly engaging with such lyricism and the lightest of touches, and always some interesting choices of notes. Like the somber “Imagination” and the moody “Eyes So Beautiful As Yours”.
Four of the tunes are played in a trio format and three in a sextet, which I absolutely love. The personnel on this are Hope on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Jimmy Heath and Frank Foster on tenor sax, Percy Heath on double bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Lovely band. I really dig the sound of the bass and drums on this recording. Philly Joe is one of the best drummers in jazz, no doubt. His touch on the drums is very special. No wonder Bill Evans and Miles Davis held him in such high regard.
This title maybe flies a bit under the radar. It shouldn’t. It’s wonderful jazz that is so enjoyable. And an original can be had for a very reasonable price.
Cheers!