The allusion to Kind of Blue is intentional, because Kind of Jazz is a kindred spirit--and eminently listenable. Trio sessions with Rob Nairn (bass) and Kevin Lowe (drums) anchor the album. Two remarkable sessions with north Florida blues guitarist Elliot Redish expand the overall palette beautifully. The album's one song with vocals, Real Love, features an extraordinary collaboration with tenor saxophonist Dave Stambler and drummer Ronnie Burrage, who contribute some of the most amazing jazz performances on record. Three of Hopkins' solo piano performances are interspersed, rounding out an album that flows organically from start to finish.