SAM JONES
Something In Common (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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During his career, bassist Sam Jones worked with many of the best leaders around, including memorable stints with Cannonball Adderly's quintet and the Oscar Peterson Trio. He was also a leader himself, producing albums for several labels, including Muse. 32 Jazz has put together Jones 1977 recording, Something In Common, with three cuts he recorded with Cedar Walton on keyboards and his companion from the Peterson Trio, Louis Hayes, on drums.

The Jones-led tracks feature a sextet that includes Walton along with Slide Hampton on trombone, Blue Mitchell's trumpet, Bob Berg on sax and drummer Billy Higgins. Songwriting chores were shared, with Jones, Walton, Hampton and Mitchell all contributing original tracks. They also played a version of the standard "For All We Know," but there was very little that was standard about the music that came out of the session. Propelled by a masterful rhythm section, the band swung hard and pushed the edge of outside. That push may be most evident on Jones' "Seven Minds," but if I had to pick a cut it would probably be Walton's title composition, "Something In Common." Happily, I don't have to choose, because there are six outstanding tracks provided.

The three remaining tracks are from Walton's 1976 Musie release, Firm Roots Music, and showcase Jones' talents in a piano trio setting, one of the traditionally most challenging roles for a bassist. It's a challenge that Jones is more than equal too and the addition of this dimension of his talent alongside his set as a leader is welcome.

Track List:

Seven Minds * Bolivia * Something In Common * Every Man Is A King * For All We Know * Blue Silver * Shoulders * One For Amons * You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

© 2001 - Shaun Dale