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Mike Jones Trio

Are You Sure You Three Guys Know What You’re Doing?

Review by Gary Hill
If you like classic jazz trio music, you are probably going to love this album. It really is a fine and entertaining example of that type of sound. I like this album so much. Mind you, it’s not the best suited for a track by track review, but it is aligned for a great listening experience. The line-up of this trio includes someone you might not think of as a music. The piano player is Mike Jones, and the drummer is Jeff Hamilton. The bass player, though, is none other than Penn Gillette of Penn and Teller fame. He’s playing stand-up bass, but as a bass guitarist, I can tell you that I really love his playing.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
'S Wonderful

This killer jazz groove is on fire. It’s just loaded with class and charm. Each member of the trio gets a chance to shine on this thing.

Doxy

Here we get more killer jazz jamming. This is not Earth-shattering in terms of change, but it is delivered with passion and style. I love the bass solo, too.

What A Difference A Day Makes

For some reason the piano work on this speaks to me even more than it does on a lot of the rest of the music here. It’s so potent and effective.

The Girl From Ipanema

I’ve never been a fan of this tune, but this version of it works really well. The bass work on this is exceptional, but then again, everything works so well here.

Watch What Happens

There is really some awesome piano work on this thing. It’s absolute gold. In fact, this might be my favorite track here.

On Green Dolphin Street

While not a big change, this groove is decidedly classy. It has a real live feel and flow to it.

You've Changed

A slower number, this is a bluesy ballad. It’s also packed full of cool and emotion.

Perdido

This is bouncy, energetic and so much fun. This is a smoking hot track.

Medley

Consisting of two songs, “I'll Close My Eyes” and “Close Your Eyes,” this medley is a piano solo. It starts a little slower with an arrangement that has a lot of passion built into it. The second half is frantic and really driving.

Gone With The Wind

Here we get another classy jazz groove. This is quite a fun romp.

Blues For Burns

This powerhouse tune is definitely one of the highlights of the set. It’s just so entertaining and energized. That’s makes it a great choice to close the album.

 
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