Since bassist
Ray Brown is aboard for
Oliver Jones' trio set, and his presence often results in pianists sounding a bit like
Peterson (think of
Gene Harris and
Benny Green when they were members of
Brown's groups), the shadow of
Oscar is felt throughout the date. Drummer
Jeff Hamilton (who toured with
Peterson) also fits very securely into the style.
Oliver Jones is heard in superb form, with his versions of "If I Were a Bell," a thoughtful "I'm Thru With Love," "Without a Song" and "My Romance" being among the highlights. In addition to five familiar standards,
Jones performs six of his originals (two blues and four melodic pieces), and it is on those numbers that he tends to sound most individual. This strong straight-ahead session, as with all of
Jones' Justin Time recordings, is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow