This is one of the best guitar LPs I’ve heard in months. The general feeling is loose and easy with the accent strongly on swing. Barnes plays wonderfully well with great sensitivity and tremendous rhythm, and the group as a whole succeed in achieving a mood of simplicity and togetherness.
Hyman and Jones come through as exciting pianists, and Hinton remains one of the most consistently fine bass players playing today. Funk, Chicago Style is quite tremendous. Hyman’s solo is a delight and there is an elevating excitement that builds to a great climax.
A relaxed, directly stated jazz album that will disappoint no one. If any difficulty in obtaining from your local dealer, try Dobell’s. The recording is excellent.
Discography
(a) The Opener; (b) My One And Only Love; (b) Struttin’ With Some Barbecue; (b) Blue Again; (b) Laughing At Life (18½ min) – (b) My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms; (a) Merchandise Mart Indians; (a) Funk, Chicago Style (13 min)
(a) George Barnes (gtr); Dick Hyman (pno); Jo Jones (dm); Milt Hinton (bs).
(b) same but Hank Jones replaces Hyman. NYC, 3/8/72 & 31/1/73.
(Famous Door HL 100)
