On The Mountain by Elvin Jones

21 Mar

Written by Richard Bourcier
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Here's a nice re-issue CD that's faithful to the original vinyl pressing. No alternate takes are added to fluff-up the thirty-five minute performance.

Elvin Jones (1927- 2004) was a jazz icon and, like his contemporary Art Blakey, he devoted so much time mentoring young musicians.

Even this record from 1975 shows Jones working with younger players. Hammer and Perla were 27 and 35 respectively while the drummer was 49. Elvin Jones had found his groove after his years with Coltrane and On The Mountain is typical of his preferred niche. Rolling Stone gave this LP four stars when it hit the market thirty years ago. While there is nothing groundbreaking on this re-issue, Jan Hammer and Gene Perla play well together. The leader is everything that one expects. It's the artistry that was Elvin Jones. This is a fine addition to any post-bop collection.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Elvin Jones
CD Title: On The Mountain
Genre: BeBop / Hard Bop
Year Released: 2005
Reissue Original Release: 1975
Record Label: PM Records
Tracks: Thorn Of A White Rose; Namuh; On The Mountain; Smoke In The Sun; London Air; Destiny.
Musicians: Elvin Jones (drums); Jan Hammer (piano, electric piano, moog); Gene Perla (acoustic, electric bass.
Label Website: http://www.pmrecords.org
Rating: Three Stars