Bertha Hope - Nothin' but Love (2000)

The longtime widow of legendary jazz pianist Elmo Hope proves herself to be quite a flexible, multi-faceted, and attractive player, one that more than holds her own whether playing her original modern mainstream music or interpreting other well-chosen, less standard fare. With her working trio of bassist Walter Booker and drummer Jimmy Cobb, well known for their many exploits with the Adderley Brothers, Bertha Hope can do no wrong on this ten-song set of wonderfully melodic, diverse, attention-grabbing music. The four pieces she has penned include the alternately modern and groovy "Book's Bok," and the free and easy hymnal solo piano "Prayer for Sun Ra." "Gone to See T" is for Thelonious Monk, which has a bluesy light swing to it that is quite interesting. She also sings sweetly on the Frank Lowe co-written title track, a cute love anthem collectively sung by all. Hope also sings beautifully for the spiritual ballad take of "Balm In Gilead." She does her husband proud on his piece "Stars Over Marrakesh," a desert caravan processional with revelatory cascading piano lines and a light swing bridge, shifting gears effortlessly as only Booker and Cobb can. Implied influence from Cedar Walton is heard on "Book's Bok," but really comes home to roost on Walton's familiar bouncy samba "Ojos De Rojo." There's a timeless intro to bossa head with tumbling melodicism and Ahmad Jamal's regality during "Mia." The sprightly George Braith swinger "Leslie" is replete with "Confirmation"-type piano-fed drum breaks, and sparse, purposefully tentative drumming informs the easy modal swinger of Charles Davis' "Super 80." In this world of ordinary, tame, or bombastic jazz piano trios, this one stands head and shoulders above the crowd. It is, unbelievably, Bertha Hope's first domestic release (others are on the European-based Steeplechase label) and a true gem. Highly recommended.

Review by Michael G. Nastos