What is the best Hank Jones album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The Trio" (1956). It's the most representative of what makes Hank Jones worth hearing.

What are the best Hank Jones albums?

The essential Hank Jones albums include "The Trio" (1956), "Quartet-Quintet" (1956), "Urbanity" (1956), "Hanky Panky" (1975) and "I Remember You" (1977).

How many albums does Hank Jones have?

Hank Jones has 82 releases in their discography, including 80 albums.

Photo: Ed Newman · CC BY 2.0

Hank Jones

Q: Who is Hank Jones for?

If you're into jazz, Hank Jones is worth your time. Rooted in a gentle swing, his melodies unfold with grace while maintaining an inviting interplay of tension and release.

Rooted in a gentle swing, his melodies unfold with grace while maintaining an inviting interplay of tension and release.

jazz

United States

Read about Hank Jones on Bookshop

Start here

The album

The Trio (1956)

Showcases Hank Jones' gentle swing and melodic grace, providing a cohesive introduction to his style in a well-regarded format.

The song

“Ain't Misbehavin'” from Ain't Misbehavin'

Features an engaging melody and exemplifies Jones' signature interplay of tension and release, making it a strong standalone introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Take My Hand, Precious Lord" — from Come Sunday (2012)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Ain’t Misbehavin’" — from Ain't Misbehavin' (1979)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Gone With The Wind" — from Duo (1988)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Almost Like Being in Love" — from Quartet-Quintet (1956)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Nothin' Beats An Evil Woman" — from Hanky Panky (1975)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"I Remember You" — from I Remember You (1977)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Hank Jones

Hank Jones reshaped the landscape of jazz through his exceptional ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth, influencing generations of musicians and listeners alike.

His contributions extend beyond performance; he became a cornerstone for various styles within jazz, consistently bridging gaps between tradition and innovation, which solidified his role as a vital figure in the genre. Approaching music with a sense of lyricism, Jones often utilized a conversational style in his piano playing, allowing melodies to breathe and resonate organically within the ensemble. His deft touch and keen sensitivity to texture created spaces where improvisation thrived, encouraging both collaboration and individual expression among fellow musicians. This unique approach invited audiences to experience jazz as an evolving conversation rather than a static form. In terms of songwriting, Jones frequently explored themes of nostalgia, longing, and introspection, crafting narratives that are both personal and universal. His voice is characterized by warmth and sincerity, often weaving intricate stories through harmonic elegance and rhythmic subtlety. The result is music that feels like a reflection of human experiences—complex yet accessible.

80 studio albums· 82 total releases· 6 decades· United States