Duke Jordan Trio - Flight To Jordan - SHM-CD

2023

5 Stars AMG

Flight to Jordan features British/West Indian trumpet player Dizzy Reece. Whilst a few British jazz men tried to storm the American market, Reece had more success than most, more an American stylist than fellow West Indies trumpet player Harry Beckett, who was more  at home in the British jazz Separate Development movement. Reece is the star of this album. His steadfast delivery, precise intonation and sustain stands proud in front of Jordan’s compositions. With trumpet it’s all in the tone and the voice. The ballads are liquid and beautifully delivered.

Jordan was a strong composer (Jordu; Les Liason’s Dangereuse; No Problem) credited with all the tracks on the Flight.  A fine, Bud Powell-influenced melodic/rhythmic player, with some of the bouncy propulsion of Sonny Clark. A steady comping left hand, his right hand dances over the keys, lyrical motifs and seamless fills, gifting his front line the spotlight on almost every tune, as well as delivering sparkling form himself.   

Stanley Turrentine’s tenor is  bluesy and fiery, with a little Texas honking. Mobley would have been nice, but you can’t have everything, as deadpan comedian Steven Wright asked: ” You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”  The drums and bass provide a firm sound foundation.

Jordan’s compositions are early 60s bop fare, in the musical territory of Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, an opening theme which soon lifts off in to more interesting interplay, which is what this music is really all about, and this is a great session.

There is such a lot of fabulous music on Blue Note from this period, Duke Jordan’s contribution can easily be overlooked, but the music has withstood the passing of time, and this title is a welcome showcase to  preserve the talents of Dizzy Reece. All Music awarded the album an exceptional 5 stars, well deserved.

https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/2023/08/04/duke-jordan-flight-to-jordan-1960-blue-note-toshiba-emi-1992/