Hanky Panky

Hank Jones' relaxed, understated keyboard demeanor leaves lots of room for interplay with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Grady Tate. This is a nicely balanced session including the latin flavored title-track, Jones' interpretation of two contemporary ballads penned by Sara Cassey, "Warm Blue Stream" and "Wind Flower" plus Harold Arlen's 1934 standard "As Long As I Live." The date's highlight is Jones' splendid rendition of the Richard Rodgers waltz "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning." The familiar melody is exquisitely reharmonized and a rhythmic interlude is inserted between sections. (A solo piano version of this arrangement was recorded in 1977 and is included in the Smithsonian Jazz Piano collection.) Claus Ogerman's "Favors" is a Jones favorite, appearing on two subsequent live releases by the pianist. "Minor Contemplation," a hard-driving bop line, is the only Jones original. All in all, an excellent offering from an undisputed master. ~ Lee Bloom