Elvin Jones - It Don't Mean A Thing (1993)

Artist: Elvin Jones
Title Of Album It Don't Mean A Thing
Year Of Release: 1993
Label (Catalog#) : Enja/One [I-384069]
Country: USA
Genre: Jazz, Hard Bop, Post Bop
Quality: FLAC (tracks+cue,log)
Bitrate: Lossless
Total Time: 00:58:06
Total Size: 329mb(+3%)(cover)

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Elvin Jones has participated in many recording sessions through the years, but this CD is one of the most well-rounded sets he has ever led. The lineup of musicians is very impressive: trumpeter Nicholas Payton, Sonny Fortune on tenor and flute, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, pianist Willie Pickens, bassist Cecil McBee, and vocalist Kevin Mahogany. Everyone plays up to their potential and the material has plenty of variety, ranging from Monk, Ellington, and Strayhorn to a traditional Japanese folk song arranged by Elvin's wife, Keiko ("A Lullaby of Itsugo Village"), two features for Mahogany (a touching version of "Lush Life" and his scat-filled "Bopsy"), and some authentic-sounding R&B (Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come"). Payton, Marsalis, and Fortune are not on every selection, but each have their chance to shine while pianist Willie Pickens is showcased with the trio on a medley of "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" and "Ask Me Now." And as for the drummer, there is still no one around who has captured the sound and spirit of Elvin Jones.



Tracklist
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1. Green Chimneys [Written-By – Thelonious Monk] - 6:58
2. A Lullaby Of Itsugo Village (Traditional) [Arranged By – Keiko Jones] - 6:04
3. It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing [Written-By – Duke Ellington] - 5:39
4. Lush Life [Written-By – Billy Strayhorn] - 6:41
5. Zenzo's Spirit [Written-By – Keiko Jones] - 6:54
6a. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing [Written-By – Billy Strayhorn]
6b. Ask Me Now [Written-By – Thelonious Monk] - 9:06
7. Bopsy [Written-By – Kevin Mahogany] - 4:18
8. Fatima's Waltz [Written-By – Keiko Jones] - 6:26
9. A Change Is Gonna Come [Written-By – Sam Cooke] - 5:23

Personnel:
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Elvin Jones - drums
Nicholas Payton - trumpet
Delfeayo Marsalis - trombone
Sonny Fortune - flute, tenor saxophone
Willie Pickens - piano
Cecil McBee - bass
Kevin Mahogany - vocals (tracks 4 & 7)

All thanks to original releaser