British pianist Dave Jones recorded this album while studying for a master’s degree at Kingston University in 1999 (with the addition of one earlier live track from the Stables at Wavendon). But for various reasons it did not see the light of day back then. Now issued for the first time, it shines a light onto how Dave and various of his contemporary colleagues on the London and SE circuit approached standards by the likes of Tadd Dameron and Kenny Dorham 23 years ago. His keyboard attack on Hampton Hawes’ ‘Coolin’ The Blues’ and Dorham’s ‘Blue Bossa’ is strong and aggressively backed (respectively) by drummers Dave Trigwell and John Piper (both sadly no longer with us). Yet, both tracks are rather too much of a frantic headlong dash, with no room to breathe, and make for quite an exhausting listen. By contrast the ballad ‘Lone Star’ which features Nick Hill’s flugelhorn has plenty of space, and benefits from it. Bassist Herbie Flowers sets a relaxed feel for Freddie Hubbard’s ‘Little Sunflower’ and a trio version of McCoy Tyner’s ‘Search For Peace’ is suitably reflective and exploratory. It’s good to have this memory of a particular era in jazz and in Jones’ career, and to be reminded of those days on the UK circuit. ( Jazzwise Review - Alyn Shipton )
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