The Oracle is an album by pianist Hank Jones, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Billy Higgins recorded in 1989 for the EmArcy label.
Allmusic awarded the album 4 stars, stating: "the interplay between the three musicians is quite impressive". The Penguin Guide to Jazz described it in 1992 as "a small masterpiece, certainly Jones's most inventive and adventurous album for a great many years".
John McDonough wrote in Downbeat, "Holland's time signatures on The Oracle tend to be a bit more exotic, which is also consistent with mostly original material. His solo work overall has a dexterous tension and push, with his turn on âÂÂTrane Connections" possessing tremendous power . . . Holland also brings three of his own compositions along. His âÂÂBlues For CM" is both lush and earthy in Jones' hands, as is Billy StrayhornâÂÂs 1966 'Blood Count'. And Higgins' snare-and-cymbal counterpoint on 'Trane' is beautifully thought through. Jones' piano is consistently stimulating in such company". He assigned the album 3.5 stars.
All compositions by Dave Holland except as indicated