Jack Wilkins

Featuring guest Joe Locke with Bill Moring (bass) and Tim Horner (drums)Green # Blue. (Hepjazz 2090)
Very cohesive set of music by guitarist John Hart and company. Beautifully recorded CD with some intriguing arrangements. Ten tunes with two originals by John Hart. The “E’ Tune and “Green Acres” are the 2 originals.
The set starts off with “Lazy Afternoon” done in an unusual medium and up tempo. Some basso ostinato and a slight reharmonization. John is at his best here with his bluesy attack and swinging lines. The addition of the great Joe Locke on the CD is a perfect choice here. Joe and John have an interplay that’s very dynamic. Speaking of dynamics, that’s one of the many things that make this CD work so well. Bill Moring and Tim Horner are on top of everything that’s going on. John’s “The E Tune” is reminiscent of Pat Metheny. Very slick, swinging tune. “Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans” is in a trio setting. John gets into a funky groove on this. John plays a lovely solo rendition of “The Night We Called it a Day” The entire CD has arrangements that are unusual from tempo and harmonizations. “All or Nothing at All” is a perfect example of the slight alteration harmonically that John has given. “Alone Together” is a wild take as John goes bluesy crazy! “My Shining Hour” is also very different from the way this tune is usually approached. The last “Well You Needn’t” is another trio and John certainly shows off his tremendous chops.
This is a CD worth listening to many times. Nice playing John and company.