By piano-less jazz, I presume you mean with no other chording instrument, either, like vibes or guitar.
Personally, I like it just fine and the sense of openeness it brings, but it really depends on who the players are, especially the horn player(s). Second-rate players couldn't handle it. I really dig those Elvin Jones BN recordings you're referring to. Joe Farrell was a monster player on those recordings. He played tenor, soprano and flute. So along with Jones and Jimmy Garrison, there's lots of variety which really makes those albums work well. I also think it sounds great when the horn player maintains the changes for his solo. That really helps to keep the listener involved and gives some guideposts along the way.
What are the recordingswith Elvin Jones, Joe Farrell & Jimmy Garrison? Can you name some titles? Thank you for the help.