The Main Man

by Scott Yanow65 at the time and still in fine form, drummer Jo Jones had a rare opportunity to lead his own album for Pablo in 1976; the music has since been reissued on an OJC CD. Jones jams through four swing standards and a couple of basic originals with an all-star group including both Harry "Sweets" Edison and Roy Eldridge on trumpets, trombonist Vic Dickenson, tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, pianist Tommy Flanagan, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green and bassist Sam Jones. The music is very much in the Count Basie groove, with purposeful and concise solos, along with some good spots for the leader.