You have to give Penn Jillette and Teller credit. The two magicians/entertainers don't really need music during their shows. But the pair can't help it. They love jazz and improvisation, which they worship and view as musical sleight of hand. They also really love pianist Mike Jones, who for the past 10 years has been their music director and performs duets with Jillette on bass on stage during their Las Vegas show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. It's also not lost on Penn and Teller that audiences adore Mike's playing.
When Mike isn't providing bop, stride and modern jazz piano during shows for the illusionists, he's recording and releasing jazz albums. His latest is Roaring (Capri), with Katie Thiroux on bass and Matt Witek on drums. The album is a collection of songbook standards that are perfectly suited for Mike's powerful keyboard approach. What sets Mike apart is his perfect sense of swing, his ability to listen and enjoy what he hears, and his rock-solid technique. There's enormous confidence in his playing. His engaging chord voicings and Waller-esque excitement sweep you up. And yet, Mike is as gentle as a lamb in his attack. I had Roaring on repeat-play for so long yesterday that I had to remind myself whose excellent CD was on. Mike's playing is so joyous and engaging that the album never wears out its welcome. Quite a trick.
Pianists who come to mind when I listen to Mike are Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Hod O'Brien, Eddie Higgins and John Bunch. Guys who mix a sterling cocktail of beautiful notes, lovely melody lines and impeccable timing. I love this album, particularly Yes Sir, That's My Baby, If I Had You, I Can't Believe You're in Love With Me—and all the rest. Mike has a way of pulling you close and you're only too happy to be engaged.
If you can't get to Las Vegas to hear Mike, dig Roaring. There's a lot of magic in those hands.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Mike Jones's Roaring (Capri) here.
JazzWax clips: Here's If I Had You, which says it all about Mike's playing...
And here's Mean to Me. And yes, the entire album sounds like this...
