Blowing In From Chicago / Clifford Jordan & John Gilmore:
Blue Note 28977
Status Quo; Bo-Till; Blue Lights; Billie's Bounce; Evil Eye; Everywhere; Let It Stand.
Clifford Jordan, John Gilmore-ts; Horace Silver-p; Curly Russell-b; Art Blakey-d. Recorded March 3, 1957.
This classic session from the late Fifties Blue Note vaults is a tastefully arranged session that features beautifully recorded work by tenor sax greats Jordan and Gilmore. This CD reissue, part of the Blue Note Connoisseur Series, is a lost gem for Sun Ra Arkestra fans due to the rare solo appearance of Arkestra tenor man Gilmore. This session caught Gilmore at the height of his formidable powers and backed by a veritable Blue Note All Stars in Horace Silver and Art Blakey.

The history behind the session is deep. Looking to make a little money at the time, which the Arkestra was not known for, Gilmore took a leave of absence from the group. Jordan and Gilmore were both from the same Chicago high school, so when Jordan went into the studio for this date, he brought Gilmore along. As a result of this session, Gilmore would tour Japan and Europe very briefly with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. However, Gilmore would return to the Arkestra a short time later and rarely recorded on other artists' dates after this one.

While one might expect Gilmore to be a bit "out" for a Blue Note session, he fits right in with a clear, sharp tone. Silver and Blakey renew their old relationship and provide a bed of rhythmic chords for the two tenors to play over. Russell, who played with another Chicagoan, Johnny Griffin, shines as well.

Perhaps the most remarkable piece from the session is Blue Lights, with Gilmore and Jordan weaving notes in and out of one another, opening the door for a series of strong solos from each of the players. Billie's Bounce is a showcase for Blakey, with its opening drum solo and insistent drive, which the tenors match nicely. Evil Eye, which sounds at times like the sinister backdrop for an old private eye movie, glides along on the brushes of Blakey. Jordan throws down some nice chords, which prompts a tight solo from Gilmore. At times, you hear Gilmore pushing and urging on the rhythm section with his playing, but Blakey and Silver respond with challenges of their own. Let It Stand, a bonus track on this CD release, features some excellent work from Silver in his prime.

This is an essential release that should belong in any self-respecting jazz fan's collection.

–Jim Johnson


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