Hank Jones was a great jazz pianist and has been known as an excellent sideman and leader throughout his long career. His most prominent project was as the leader of the coop group, the Great Jazz Trio. This is a classic example how the piano-bass/drums format has remained timeless and enduring while remaining challenging. The original trio, which consisted of Jones and Tony Williams as well as Ron Carter, formed in 1975. They performed for the first time together at the Village Vanguard nightclub, New York City. The unique bond formed between these musicians, who were all from three generations and had ties to Miles Davis. They played both standards and originals. In May 1976, the trio reunited again and headed to a studio to record an Album with Sadao Watanabe (japanese alto saxophonist). The trio were again booked at the Village Vanguard in February 1977 for a week. They recorded three days of extended engagements, making many volumes of their music on vinyl for the Japanese-based East Wind label. These recordings were also available in the U.S. via Inner City. Concurrent studio efforts include Love for Sale (1976,), Kindness, Joy, Love
