3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Portrait of Kenny, August 7, 2000
This review is from: Whistle Stop (Limited Edition) (Audio CD)
For the uninitated, Kenny Dorham's lasting legacy is that of a pioneering be-bop composer and trumpeter of lesser renown than he is due. Dorham was an innovator with Charlie Parker, and in 1946 composed "Dead End," which Bird featured while Kenny was in his group. In 1947 Dorham collaborated with another formative jazz lion, Art Blakey, who was first to record a Dorham original, "The Thin Man." An early sixties Blue Note mainstay, Kenny recorded as a leader from late 1953 until September of 1964. Giving an early boost to Joe Henderson, he is heard as composer/player on the sax man's "Page One" and "In 'n' Out."
On January 15, 1961 Rudy van Gelder captured seven Dorham originals featuring Kenny's trumpet, Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Kenny Drew on piano and a crack bass and drum tandem of Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. Just 24-bit remastered this January by Mr. van Gelder himself, this limited edition of 1500 copies in replica cardboard sleeves follows a now out-of-print Blue Note Connoisseur CD. Buy this now, before it's gone again!
The music stands alone piece by piece, but can also be enjoyed as a musical picture of the Southwest, where Kenny Dorham grew up. Especially poignant and touching is the last of the seven tunes, "Dorham's Epitaph," a gorgeously brief ballad memorializing the great Clifford Brown, a beautiful person and jazz trumpet icon. It also is a fitting monument to Kenny, who said so much with so little fanfare. Every tune on this session is great, so open your own ears to "Windmill," "Sunrise in Mexico" and "Sunset." Then, as you share your jazz, enjoy discussing it. You will find it an endlessly rewarding trip, thanks to Kenny Dorham and friends.
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