Elmo Hope - Informal Jazz

A nice hard bop date that doesn't seem to make its way around much. Granted it didn't retain this title long and was reissued several times, under eitherTrane's moniker or Mobley's and often titled Two Tenors, which unfortunately detracts from the real leader on this date.

At the time this date was recorded Hope was still struggling for recognition. I'm kinda surprised he managed to surround himself with such fine players.

I like Elmo Hope but I think that there is a good reason he remains basically unknown outside of jazz circles. Just for the record I feel the same way about Hank Mobley. And to an extent, Donald Byrd. All have released fine, fine records, but not a consistently long line of them.

During this time so many players were playing on each others dates, always sharing the spotlight, that I have I come to the conclusion that on many of these recordings that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is a perfect example.

Elmo Hope
Informal Jazz

1. Weeja
2. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
3. On It
4. Avalon

Elmo Hope - piano
John Coltane, Hank Mobley - tenor sax
Paul Chambers - bass
Philly Jo Jones - drums

recorded 5/7/56

Prestige 7043

but actually taken from a 1976 Milestone reissue.

Elmo Hope - Trio

Once again an image of my actual lp escapes me, so the photo of Mr Hope at the piano will have to suffice. (edit: Thanks to farlac for the cover and stating the obvious.)

Elmo Hope seems to some how have slipped into a position slightly behind Monk and Powell and just ahead of Herbie Nichols. In other words, everyone I know has at least heard of Monk, and quite a few more may be aware of Bud Powell, but only my friends who are at least somewhat involved with jazz have heard of Elmo Hope. 'Tis a shame.

I have always perceived Elmo Hope as a leader, not a sideman even though he has appeared on many records in that role. It is on his own songs that Hope really tends to shine. This record splits the songs evenly between his own and covers. Of course Night In Tunisia is familiar to most but he really brings it on the introspective I Love You by Porter, and again on the final Gershwin cover.

The songs on this lp are some of his last, I suspect, as he ODed early the next year. But these recordings are far from a man that is wasting away. I have always found these songs full of joy, an artist at his peak. Of course I may be wrong, what do I know? But this is a record have chosen not to part with over the years, and I am happy to share it here.

Undoubtedly these songs have appeared elsewhere but here they are, from a vinyl lp (again) that appears to be a Japanese issue of earlier release under the RCA imprint.

Elmo Hope Trio

1. Night In Tunisia
2. Stellations
3. Elmo's Blues
4. I Love You
5. Bertha, My Dear*
6. Somebody Loves Me*

Elmo Hope - piano
John Orr - bass
Philly Joe Jones - drums
Clifford Jarvis - drums*

Recorded march 8/may 9*-1966

RVJ-6019