Overshadowed throughout his life by his friends Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, Elmo Hope was a talented pianist and composer in his own right. He recorded in New York as a band leader (starting in 1953), and with greats Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Clifford Brown and Jackie McLean. But the loss of his cabaret card due to drug use made it difficult for him to make a living in New York. After touring with Chet Baker in 1957, Hope relocated to Los Angeles. He performed with Lionel Hampton in 1959, recorded with Harold Land and Curtis Counce, and returned to New York in 1961. A short prison sentence did little to help his drug problem; he died in May 1967.

Although the album is titled Informal Jazz, reality dictates that a good deal of thought and care went into the recording session. The dynamic drum and bass team of Philly Joe Jones and Paul Chambers is "hardly the kind of rhythm section playing heard at a jam session, except possibly in heaven," All Music Guide notes. And Hope’s solo spots are the best part of the record — "It is a stretch to imagine an ’informal’ recording session where even material as complicated as this is played."

A typical Prestige “blowing session” as the title suggests. You can begin to appreciate how Rudy Van Gelders first recordings, made in his parents house, must have worked. Imagine if you will, it is Sunday afternoon, and the Van Gelder doorbell rings.

Why, there’s Hank  on your doorstep, he’s brought his tenor, and a few friends. Come on in, Hi Donald, Hi John, come in come in make yourselves at home. Coltrane lifts his tenor out of its case. Paul heaves in his bass, and Philly Joe is  last through the door  hidden under an armful of drums. “There are beers in the fridge for those that want!” Rudy places his microphones. Pretty soon the boys are warmed up and ready to go. The  room starts to shake…

Lastly, some of the most well-known and influential horn artists of the time make their presence known — tenor sax greats John Coltrane and Hank Mobley, as well as trumpeter Donald Byrd.
 
Originally released in 1956.