sessions in 1965, and while the style is small-group post-bop, the music is very different from the thick textures of the Coltrane quartet. The core band is a trio with the Charlie Parker-influenced alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano and the brilliant bassist Richard Davis.

 

Mariano soars overhead on a series of lyrical standards, including "Everything Happens to Me" and "This Love of Mine." Roland Hanna joins the group for the first three selections, and Elvin's brother, Hank for the last four. Of the Hanna tracks, Charles Mingus's "Love Bird" stands out, while Hank Jones' crisp and inventive lines shine on the classic bop of "Anthropology" and Ellington's "Fantazm."

 

The second album by Elvin Jones as sole title rights leader (excluding the co-op ensemble that recorded the stunning and essential progressive jazz icon Illumination!) has the drummer sounding more like a backup musician, as he claims no compositional duties or noticeable solo space. In fact, this is one of the very best albums in the career of alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano, who occupies the bulk of lead lines and improvising responsibilities. He's so up-front, and on an instrument that is not John Coltrane's main instrument -- the tenor sax -- that the title is also a bit of a misnomer. The value of Jones as a bandleader lies in his concept of using fellow Detroiter Sir Roland Hanna or brother Hank Jones on selected tracks, or in the case of three tracks, no pianist. Bassist Richard Davis rounds out this truly brilliant ensemble of burgeoning mid-'60s jazz stars, who play an enticing collection of standards, bop, compositions of Bob Hammer, and originals from several modern sources. A stone cold bebopper and Charlie Parker devotee at the time of this recording.

It seems this recording is underrated when over time it should never be. Dear John C. is deserving of an excellent rating.

Elvin Jones, drums
Richard Davis, bass
Sir Roland Hanna, piano
Hank Jones, piano
Charlie Mariano, alto saxophone 

Elvin Jones Dear John C. 

        

1. Dear John C. 

2. Ballade 

3. Love Bird 

4. Everything Happens to Me 

5. Smoke Rings 

6. This Love of Mine 

7. Anthropology 

8. Feeling Good 

9. Fantazm 

10. That Five-Four Bang