Search - Geoffrey Keezer :: Sublime: Honoring the Music of Hank Jones

Geoff Keezer has matured in the presence of giants, first joining Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at 18, then serving a lengthy apprenticeship with master bassist Ray Brown. Here, Keezer pays tribute to another great, Hank Jones, among the most musically astute pianists to ever play jazz and the senior member of the Detroit Jones clan that includes Elvin and Thad. Keezer's main inspiration here is the piano duo of Jones and the late Tommy Flanagan, and he's enlisted the aid of a series of fine pianists for the occasion: Kenny Barron, Chick Corea, Benny Green, and Mulgrew Miller. It's all at a high level, the pianists clearing drawing inspiration from one another as well as Jones' compositions. Among the real highlights is "Passing Time," the rolling rhythmic energy of Barron and Keezer springboarding them to fresh ideas. Miller and Keezer maintain a singing lightness on the lilting "Lullaby," while Corea uses "Intimidation" as a launch pad for some expansive free playing. Keezer also contributes two solo performances, showing his command of Jones' harmonic approach on the opening "Angel Face" and approaching the sublime on Jones' gorgeous title tune. --Stuart Broomer