The Elmo Hope Trio's 1961 album "High Hope!" showcases the pianist's distinctive melodic and harmonic voice in a classic small-group jazz setting. This Blue Note recording captures Hope in a trio format, further cementing his reputation as a singular talent on the instrument.
- "High Hope!" was recorded on July 26, 1961, at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary Englewood Cliffs studio. The album features Elmo Hope on piano, accompanied by Bob Cunningham on bass and Willie Jones on drums. The release was part of a prolific period for Blue Note Records in the early 1960s, featuring many influential jazz artists.
- The track "Eyes So Expressive" is a notable original composition by Elmo Hope, demonstrating his lyrical and complex writing style.
- "High Hope!" was released in October 1961, shortly after the trio's previous album for Blue Note, "And Three".
Elmo Hope was a jazz pianist and composer from New York City, known for his unique harmonic approach and rhythmic innovations. He was a significant, though often overlooked, figure in the post-bop era.
Tracklist
