CiTR

This legendary date by a legendary pianist/composer is considered by many to be his masterpiece. Elmo Hope was a friend and contemporary of Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk and grew up with them. Hope's career was spotty and his recordings few and his life was blighted by drug addiction and ill health but his musical legacy is firm. During his four years in Los Angeles from 1956 to 1959 he had a few triumphs and this Jazz Feature recording was one of them. Mr Hope is accompanied by bassist Jimmy Bond and the great Frank Butler on drums. Of the eight tunes, seven are Hope compositions and one favored standard is played...a ballad version of "Like Someone in Love". "The Elmo Hope Trio" is one of the highlights on Hope's often erratic career and enhances his deep musical legacy.