Plays Well with Others (feat. Jeff Hamilton & Mike Gurrola)

Mike Jones is absolutely the best jazz pianist. Alone he is amazing, with his trio - unstoppable. The last time I had the opportunity to see Jonesy, he was only playing with nine fingers (one was broken from an unfortunate accident) and he was still outstanding. A must see any chance you get, or at least take his recordings with you at all times.

Monster, monster, monster. One of the best jazz trio records ever and certainly the best jazz piano player alive. Get this.

I know very little about jazz. Listened to this because Penn Jillette talked about Mike Jones. It is a great listen. I may have a new love.

There's a reason this guy has the reputation he has. And the excellence on display in this album is evidence of it.

The first song- Besame Mucho.. if you think you've heard it before, you never heard it done this way-- and it's a phenomenal song. Jeff Hamilton and Mike Gurrola add to the genius of Jonesy- September's Song melts your heart. If you want to catch how he does solo work.. check out his remake of the Fats Domino gem "I'm Walking". It's been a signature tune that Mike has played live at places like The Green Mill in Chicago, and the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles. Audiences get fired up by it and this album expresses that joy just as well. If you want to read some liner notes, they're written by a guy named Penn Jillette. Maybe you haven't been on the planet long, but Penn is a NY Times best selling author, an actor, a musician, and the taller speaking half of the most famous magical duo of all time, Penn & Teller. The liner notes are definitely a reminder to the world that Jones is rare as a Hope Diamond, and as timeless as the stars themselves. If you wondered about the cover of the album, there's a guy who has directed The Simpsons, and worked on the show since it came to be, David Silverman. Silverman is also known to play a fire shooting electric tuba, and has joined Jones at some very interesting shows. He based the image on the late Diane Albus photos, and for those who have met Mike, this is really a sweet homage to all he is. Add this to you collection, and everyone you play it for will be addicted. Jones has been astonishing audiences with hs Art Tatum/Oscar Peterson/ Dave McKenna style of playing... and maybe he is the last of his kind--someone who takes standards to a level that make them even more worthy of their long time on the charts. Listen. Love it. Tell friends to get it. You will not be disappointed. (Unless of course you've confused him with the rapper-- you'll still like it, but may wonder why there's on 'crunk'.)

Great album, great guy, great jazz. Buy it!