Absolutely amazing in its grace...
Led by Haden's bass and the piano talent of Mr. Jones, this CD gives you more than an hour of dignified jazz twists of familiar spirituals. Just offbeat enough to compel attention, but reverent and mostly quiet, this is simply wonderful. It is the third CD created by Charlie Haden that I purchased, and all three are superb, yet quite different. These two old pros clearly love this material, and put their souls into recording this project. The booklet is also grand. If I were to plan my own funeral, this CD would start playing in the chapel 30 minutes before the first guests were expected.

Real Soul Music
If there is a more perfect album for relaxing or quiet time- I don't know what it is. These songs are played simply and with heart. I have bought ten to fifteen copies of this album over the past twelve years- it's just that good.

You can put it on for reading the Bible, praying or for peaceful music at dinnertime. It can be in the background or turned up without giving offense to those normally allergic to jazz. It's literally the spiritual version of Kind of Blue. I've even given it to new parents because it's just peaceful.

Desert Island Essential
I have made a gift of this album to a number of my friends. If I had to pick only 10 pieces of music ever, this would be my first choice. Timeless, elegant, soulful, spiritual, dark, sad, silent!

Music from your bone marrow
The other reviewers are spot-on exact about the loveliness of this music. I shall only add that I gave my copy away about 6 months ago but am only now replacing it -- the tunes are finally sounding a little worn and faded when I play them in my memory. This music accompanies YOU after a while. It is a quiet conversation with a much beloved friend, a silk scarf against the wind, a warm bowl of good soup on a damp chilly day. Enjoy.

A TREASURE
Hank Jones on piano and Charlie Haden on bass take a journey through the last few hundred years of the music of the common man (and woman). Stripped of fancy finish and shiny veneer, these spirituals, hymns and folk songs are revealed in all their sublime natural glory.

Gospel, jazz and blues harmonies, applied with the confidence of a master's touch, highlight the homespun melodies in a way that's humble and pure. Imagine suddenly stumbling across a piece of driftwood that takes your breath away with its earthy beauty, or finding an agate that releases a small, blazing rainbow of colors in your hand. This music is just such a found treasure.