The Hot Box #027 – A to Z of Jazz Piano Part 10 – The Letter J

The Hot Box Episode 27 in which we delve into the piano files labelled “J”

It so happens that J is a significant file for the fact that it contains Keith Jarrett, Ahmad Jamal and Hank Jones, three mighty big reputations and among the most popular jazz pianists of all time. It’s easy to be blown away by the sheer volume of material that Jarrett has created in trio, solo and other formats, so we have been highly selective (based on the 35 CDs in the file!).

Jamal is among the most interesting players, having been dismissed early in his career as “just a cocktail pianist”, until an angry response from Miles Davis came to his rescue. He established himself as the custodian of a new piano style, at a time when everyone else thought they had to obey the rules of be-bop. Then there is the immaculate Hank, eldest of the supremely talented Jones boys, Thadeus (Thad) and Elvin. His contributions to this Hot Box are exquisite.

We are still seeking recordings by Irish pianists, so if you know of any, let us know. The Hot Box is released on www.jazzireland.ie every 2 weeks and can be heard on-line around the world. Tell your jazz loving friends, and talk to us direct with comments and suggestions to

Track List for The Hot Box #027 – A to Z of Jazz Piano Part 10 – The Letter J

# Artist Track Title Time
01 Michel Camilo One More Once 0:00
02 Paul James Boomerang Boogie 02:14
03 Scott Joplin Stop Time Rag 06:41
04 James P. Johnson I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling 10:16
05 Keith Jarrett Autumn Leaves/Up For It 14:35
06 Ahmad Jamal Saturday Morning 31:24
07 Duke Jordan Flight to Jordan 42:28
08 Keith Jarrett My Song 48:53
09 Keith Jarrett Dance of the Infidels 54:55
10 Hank Jones Ah Henry 01:00:06
11 Ahmad Jamal How Deep Is The Ocean 01:08:39
12 Hank Jones Softly As In A Morning Sunrise 01:19:20
Donald Helme
Author: Donald Helme
Donald presented Jazz Alley, Ireland’s number one jazz show, on RTE Lyric FM from the station’s first week on air until the end of 2015. “I am not a musician, and have never pretended to be anything other than a lifetime fan with loads of experience and hopefully, good ears.”
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