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Western Michigan University's Keith Hall talks about jazz greats and talks with current practitioners of the art.0000017c-60f7-de77-ad7e-f3f73a350002

Jazz Currents salutes Pontiac's Jones Brothers

It is rare that a family would have three brothers that would go on to make such a significant impact on jazz music.  We are referring to the Jones Brothers from Pontiac, Michigan.

They are pianist Hank, trumpeter/composer Thad, and drummer Elvin.  In three episodes, we will hear from the three brothers including a recording they made together in 1958. 

Today, we will focus on the eldest - Hank Jones.  According to Sir Roland Hanna, Hank became known later in his life as the 'Grandfather of All Jazz Pianists'.  Over his 75-year career, Jones performed and recorded with the likes of Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley and recorded over 60 albums under his own name.  His beautiful touch on the piano was also heard and seen on CBS radio and television from 1959-1975, including accompanying Frank Sinatra on the Ed Sullivan Show and Marilyn Monroe on her famous "Happy Birthday Mr. President'.  Jones received a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Grammy and remained at the top of his game until the last few months of his life.

Music in this Episode

1.  Three and One (Thad Jones) from The Jones Brothers Keepin' Up With The Joneses

2.  Let's Fall In Love (Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler) from Hank Jones Have You Met Hank Jones?

3.  Sid Flips His Lid (Hank Jones) from Charlie Ventura's Carnegie Hall Concert

4.  You Can Depend On Me (Charles Carpenter, Louis Dunlap, Earl Kenneth Hines) from Ella Fitzgerald Rhythm is My Business

5.  Kim (Charlie Parker) from Charlie Parker Now's The Time

6.  Now's The Time (Charlie Parker) from Hank Jones The Trio

7.  Gone With The Wind (Allie Wrubel and Herb Magidsen) from Hank Jones Have You Met Hank Jones?

8.  One For Daddy-O (Nat Adderley) from Cannonball AdderleySomethin' Else

9.  My Funny Valentine  (Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart) from Hank Jones Solo Piano/My Funny Valentine

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