Description:

On Sunday, December 12, 2004, Hank Jones gave a master class produced by John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of the NYU jazz department. This was one performance filled with vitality. Hank in his 80s still touring (recently returning from Japan) arrived bursting with energy and after a long day, was still going strong as he chatted with the jazz students with whom he had performed and instructed that day. Hank Jones, brother of Elvin Jones (the drummer) and Thad (the cornetist) was born 1918 in Mississippi and raised in Michigan. He was influenced by performers Fat Waller, Earl Hines and Art Tatum and is known for his distinctive swinging style. Hank's first gig was with Hot Lips Page band in 1944, a job Lucky Thompson (the saxophonist) got him. Hank worked as a freelancer with artists such as Artie Shaw, Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman and Julian Cannonball Adderley. Later Hank joined CBS working as a studio musician for 17 years, working on such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show. Jones also was a member of his brother's co-led orchestra with Mel Lewis beginning in 1966. Because of Jones' unique and versatile style, he can be found on many recordings. He has also played piano duos with such greats as Tommy Flanagan, George Shearing and John Lewis.