Kenny Dorham: Blue Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco

The vagaries of the jazz life are all over this release. Why Kenny Dorham should be underappreciated is a mystery. For the gig at the Blue Morocco he had assembled a great super group with a deep well of experience. Drummer Denis Charles had worked with Cecil Taylor. Kenny Dorham had accompanied Charlie Parker, at Parker's peak. Bassist Paul Chambers had supported both Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. Pianist Cedar Walton had been in the Jazz Messengers. Grant Green. All that combined experience, replete with history and hard-won expertise, was on the small stage at the Blue Morocco. If only time travel were possible.

The audience at the Blue Morocco must surely have swayed at Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa." What an attractive melody. The ease with which Dorham slides around the changes propelled by Cedar Walton and Paul Chambers is underpinned by the sensible percussive placements of Denis Charles.

The surprise of the set is Sonny Red. Sonny had his own agenda; he eschewed the play-it-safe mode to deliver solos that had an edge tinged with an abrasive tone that gave his alto a sense of danger: a good foil to the more conciliatory Dorham.

Cedar Walton inserted the occasional quote into his improvisation when he was not being percussive as he built solos to a satisfying climax.

Denis Charles' background was in the avant-garde, but it was not apparent. He seemed more impressed with the stylings of Tony Williams.

Paul Chambers' work had a beautiful structural quality and a deep, sensuous sound. His tone was consistent and firm and his solos had a narrative quality.. His playing, both bowed and plucked, had a depth and a fluid, loose-limbed quality.

Dorham plays a stately solo on "My One and Only Love" with his distinctive personal style. He was happy to keep within his range, fashioning an inventive lyrical solo: no bluster, just beauty, natural, intuitive.

On "Bag's Groove." Sonny Red's solo was expansive, assertive with leaps up the scales. He enjoyed the space to chart unusual paths through the melody.

"Confirmation" has memories of Charlie Parker as they all negotiate the complex theme.

"Memories of You" was all Sonny Red. Listening to his solo causes more reflection on the inconsistency of the jazz life. Sonny died in obscurity. Difficult to understand why the vibrant playing here should have led to that is another mystery.

The release, as with all the Resonance recordings, is essential because it combines enthusiasm with the scholarly approach. With fine, incisive liner notes from Bob Blumenthal, comments from trumpeters Eddie Henderson and Jeremy Pelt, a warm reminiscence from Dan Morgenstern and Kenny Dorham's daughters share their memories. Producer Zev Feldman notes that this release celebrates Kenny Dorham's centenary.

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