The last Hank Jones on Japanese vinyl:

The lengthy and distinguished career of the last Jones brother comes to a close on these two superb recordings only issued in Japan.

First is "Last Recordings", a quintet date adding Roy Hargrove's trumpet and Raymond McMorrin's tenor to the Hank Jones Great Jazz Trio.

Notwithstanding the valedictory nature of the affair, Jones no doubt had no idea this would be his final statement, so it's a lively and elegantly played affair that has Hank at the height of his powers and even stretching a bit by the quintet format. Fine playing by Hargrove and McMorrin. Superbly recorded (the vinyl sourced from DSD digital and sounding great) and the usual flawless Japanese pressing.

Nearly as good is Hank Jones "Jam At Basie", a live recording at the Japanese club that has a great live vibe about it and a bit more solo space for all. Basically the same band as "Last Recordings" minus Hargrove.

Two fitting tributes to a giant now silenced.

Hard to find on vinyl as these sold out very quickly in Japan, but I understand that a second pressing was done and may be found at Eastwind. Get them if you can.