Jazzpar Quartet +4 (Remastered 2020)

Jim Hall was the winner of the 1998 Jazzpar Prize, given annually by the Danish Jazz Center; the resulting concerts which followed are a valuable addition to Hall's considerable discography. The veteran guitarist is joined by tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist Thomas Ovesen and drummer Terry Clarke for a rousing "Stella By Starlight" and a very soft, captivating interpretation of "Chelsea Bridge." The Zaploski String Quartet takes the place of Hall's group on several tracks, joining him for his intriguing "Thesis," written in 1953 while he was a student at the Cleveland Institute of Music; this version is more stripped down than his 1990 Town Hall performance but every bit as compelling. Hall & Co. join the string quartet for a run through Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze," proving he's as open minded as ever to trying new things. Hall's sensitive duet with Potter on the closer, "In A Sentimental Mood," brings things full circle on this very successful CD. ~ Ken Dryden