Elmo Hope

Throughout his existence Elmo Hope remained overshadowed by close associates Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, even though he proved a gifted pianist and composer whose career ended prematurely because of narcotics. His earliest notable work occurred with Joe Morris’ R&B band from 1948 to 1951. Starting in 1953 he began recording in New York both as a leader and alongside Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Clifford Brown, and Jackie McLean, yet the revocation of his cabaret card, prompted by his drug use, made sustaining a livelihood in the city nearly impossible. After joining Chet Baker’s 1957 tour, Hope moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared with Lionel Hampton in 1959, documented sessions with Harold Land and Curtis Counce, and then returned to New York in 1961. A brief prison term failed to resolve his addiction, although his 1966 trio performances still displayed capable playing; he died a little more than a year afterward. His dates as leader were issued on Blue Note, Prestige, Pacific Jazz, Hi Fi Jazz, Riverside, Celebrity, Beacon, and Audio Fidelity, while his final albums first appeared on Inner City. Hope also composed with distinction, though none of his pieces entered the standard repertoire.