Jazz Pioneer Pianist /Composer Elmo Hope: "Here's Hope"

These recordings were made for two small related labels when pianist/composer Elmo Hope returned to his native New York in 1961 after four up and down years in Los Angeles. These labels called "Beacon" and "Celebrity" were poorly distributed and sadly for Elmo Hope, received scant attention and yet they were some of his finest compositions and playing. They are fortunately more available today and are heard a little more widely. Mr.Hope is one of the great pioneers of Modern Jazz piano yet he remains relatively unknown alongside his closest friends and peers, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. His style is less percussive than Monk's and has less of that driven and demonic virtuosity that Bud Powell had but Hope's depth and intricate harmonies are what make his style unique. He is in a-one form here in 1961 with the great Paul Chambers on bass and his close friend Philly Joe Jones on drums. Nine compositions are heard here all by Mr. Hope. If you are not familiar with his music and tunes, you're in for a rare treat and you will discover Hope's greatness when you check out tonight's Jazz Feature. "Here's Hope" indeed!