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Cliff Jordan

Jenkins, Jordan & Timmons on New Jazz 8232

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Jenkins, Jordan & Timmons on New Jazz 8232

A great session that will not disappoint...

Here's a very enjoyable album from 1957 with a great line-up, featuring John Jenkins on alto sax, Cliff Jordan on tenor sax, Bobby Timmons on piano, Wilbur Ware on bass and Dannie Richmond on drums. It's excellent hard bop with a nice set of tunes, composed of originals and standards. It's an album which I've been after for some time. It's quite rare and doesn't pop up that often in great shape. My copy is in very nice shape, the vinyl plays as new and the jacket is nice but has some yellowing and a large preview copy stamp on the back slick.

This is truly a great set and the tunes are all very nice. Favorite tune is probably "Soft Talk". "Tenderly" is a nice ballad with superb piano solo work from Bobby Timmons. It's a perfect album to put on for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Just sit back with a cup of coffee and relax to the wonderful music. I really dig the work of the three leaders. I've been looking at buying Jenkins effort as a leader on Blue Note 1573 for example. A great album. Cliff Jordan is a favorite and I have his superb effort "Cliff Craft" on Blue Note 1582. His tone is round and strong much like a nice cup of coffee. Bobby Timmons plays on a few of the albums I have and he is a pianist who's style I really like a lot. He just flows effortlessly through the tunes with extremely nice rhythmic lines. I would love to hear him more in a trio setting. I know he recorded several trio albums during the 60's. I have a lot to explore there. The other two cats in the rhythm section plays wonderfully as well.

All in all a great album which you should definitely seek out if you are unfamiliar with it. The deep ocean of jazz is truly amazing in the sense that there are so many great albums to explore and enjoy. It feels like it will take me a lifetime to fully explore the art of jazz and it's large treasure of artists and their music.

I have been really fortunate this year to been able to add some albums I've been wanting for a long time. I have probably bought more albums this year than any other year. And it's all top notch stuff. I have some very nice titles to post here in the coming months and I'm really looking forward to that. One title is probably in my top 10 jazz albums list of all time and it's in absolutely amazing shape. Another one is a superb album on the Riverside label. But one particular title stands out a little, as one of the most coveted of jazz collectibles out there. It's a beautiful album. It will all be revealed in the fall... stay tuned!

Have a great Sunday everyone, and please leave a comment if you want. Maybe you have some thoughts on the Jenkins, Jordan & Timmons album? Have you got a tip for me regarding your favorite Bobby Timmons trio album? Have you scored a great album lately which you would like to share? Maybe you have seen some live jazz that moved you? I love the comments and discussions you guys provide, so feel free... Cheers!

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"Cliff Craft" by Cliff Jordan on Blue Note 1582

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"Cliff Craft" by Cliff Jordan on Blue Note 1582

One of the best Blue Notes ever released.

This is one of the very best Blue Notes if you ask me, and one of the rarest. It's a superb flowing effort by Cliff Jordan, playing together here with the brilliant Art Farmer (trumpet), Sonny Clark (piano), George Tucker (bass) and Louis Hayes (drums). This is one of those truly sweet jazz pralines that the Blue Note 1500 series has to offer. The 1500 series is special. For me, it's the definite jazz go-to series. So many superb albums. The sound is very nice on the ones I have, so tasteful, organic, vibrant and full of soul.

"Cliff Craft" starts off with one of Cliff Jordan's own compositions "Laconia", and once the first few notes have made their way from the speakers to your ears you know this album is going to be something special. This music is smooth, relaxing and it makes you forget your troubles in a jiffy. This is my kind of jazz. I'm highly impressed by the craftmanship of Jordan on this one. After that superb first tune it's time for another Jordan original. A bluesy, very enjoyable tune called "Soul-Lo Blues". I really appreciate this kind of jazz tune that contains a good portion of bluesy aspects. This Jordan guy can sure write some good stuff. I dig him a lot. Have really just started to explore his albums. This album is an extremely good example of his work for anyone looking to get into his music. I'm listening to my original 1st pressing as I write this. Very nice copy. The tune is coming to an end now. Soon, the title track, also a Jordan original will start. Ok, now it's on it's way... Fast tempo stuff here. Classic harb-bop. The tenor sound of Cliff Jordan is full and rich. He plays really well. Already up there with my favorites. The rhythm section is superb. Side 1 = very, very good stuff.

Now for Side 2, which holds three standards. Ah, Bird... you hear it straight away. "Confirmation" is the tune and it's wonderful. A medium-tempo effort which really speaks to me. Jordan plays superbly. Art Farmer then comes in with a relaxed solo. He has a sweet tone. Very laid back. The Blue Notes he plays on are all worth trying to get. Sonny Clark is a favorite and his solo on this is smooth and flowing. Of course, his stuff on Blue Note is highly regarded among collectors for a good reason and I'm aiming to try and get it all. I'm quite keen on the Trio album with Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones on Blue Note 1579. The theme rounds off the song and I love it. Next up is the ballad "Sophisticated Lady" composed by Duke Ellington in the early 1930's. A beautiful tune which is already among my favorite slow ones. This extremely nice album concludes with Parker and Gillespie's classic composition "Anthropology". Doesn't get much better than this folks. A very nice theme. A driving tune which leaves you wanting more. Such a great sign off to this album. If you haven't got it, you should buy it right now. Today. For me, one of the best Blue Note records ever made.

It's a grey and dull day here in Stockholm, but listening to this masterpiece sure lightened things up a bit. Have a great rest of the weekend and stay tuned for more jazz history.

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