Kenny Dorham - Quiet Kenny (1959/2006/2014) [Official Digital Download]

Quiet Kenny is one of the loveliest albums ever made by a trumpeter and a rhythm section. Recorded for the Prestige subsidiary New Jazz, the session is not entirely "quiet"; while ballad readings of standards cast a late-night spell, Dorham's three tuneful blues originals, plus "Mack the Knife", swing jauntily. This is well-crafted set of standards and originals that may be some of his best work from his tragically-brief career.

Dorham (1924-1972) had worked as a sideman for such innovators as Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Art Blakey before going solo. In his own sweet way, Dorham was a major figure during the 1950s and '60s. If he was not as effervescent as Dizzy Gillespie, as mysterious as Miles Davis, or as given to skyrocketry as Clifford Brown, Dorham was an eloquent, soulful player with a beautifully understated tone. On Quiet Kenny, backed by the supple piano/bass/drums team of Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers, and Arthur Taylor, Kenny Dorham is at his lyrical best.

In the liner notes of Quiet Kenny, former Downbeat magazine publisher Jack Maher states that trumpeter Kenny Dorham's music is not necessarily the demure, balladic, rapturous jazz one might associate as romantic or tranquil. Cool and understated might be better watchwords for what the ultra-melodic Dorham achieves on this undeniably well crafted set of standards and originals that is close to containing his best work overall during a far too brief career. Surrounded by an excellent rhythm team of the equally sensitive pianist Tommy Flanagan, emerging bassist Paul Chambers, and the always-beneficial drummer Art Taylor, Dorham and his mates are not prone to missteps or overt exaggerations. One of Dorham's all-time best tunes "Lotus Blossom" kicks off the set with its bop to Latin hummable melody, fluid dynamics, and Dorham's immaculate, unpretentious tone. "Old Folks," a classic ballad, is done mid-tempo, while the true "quiet" factor comes into play on interesting version of "My Ideal" where Dorham gingerly squeezes out the slippery wet notes, and on the sad ballad "Alone Together." The rest of the material is done in easygoing, unforced fashion, especially the originals "Blue Friday" and the simple swinger "Blue Spring Shuffle" which is not really a shuffle. Never known as a boisterous or brash player, but also not a troubadour of romanticism – until he started singing – Dorham's music is also far from complacent, and this recording established him as a Top Five performer in jazz on his instrument. It comes recommended to all.

Tracklist:

01 - Lotus Blossom
02 - My Ideal
03 - Blue Friday
04 - Alone Together
05 - Blue Spring Shuffle
06 - I Had The Craziest Dream
07 - Old Folks
08 - Mack The Knife

Produced by Esmond Edwards.
Recorded on November 13,1959 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
All transfers were made from the analog master tapes to digital at 24-bit resolution. Supervision by Esmond Edwards.
Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studio in 2005.

Musicians:
Kenny Dorham - trumpet, vocals
Tommy Flanagan - piano
Paul Chambers - double bass
Art Taylor - drums

A Note From Rudy Van Gelder:
I remember the sessions well, I remember how the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.

Thanks to the Original customer!