AMG Review of Hanky Panky

Lee Bloom
All Music Guide

Hank Jones' relaxed, understated keyboard demeanor leaves lots of room for interplay with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Grady Tate. This is a nicely balanced session including the latin flavored title-track, Jones' interpretation of two contemporary ballads penned by Sara Cassey, "Warm Blue Stream" and "Wind Flower" plus Harold Arlen's 1934 standard "As Long As I Live." The date's highlight is Jones' splendid rendition of the Richard Rodgers waltz "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning." The familiar melody is exquisitely reharmonized and a rhythmic interlude is inserted between sections. (A solo piano version of this arrangement was recorded in 1977 and is included in the Smithsonian Jazz Piano collection.) Claus Ogerman's "Favors" is a Jones favorite, appearing on two subsequent live releases by the pianist. "Minor Contemplation," a hard-driving bop line, is the only Jones original. All in all, an excellent offering from an undisputed master.