Cecil Payne

Featuring: Cecil Payne (bars); Kenny Dorham, Johnny Coles (tp); Duke Jordan (p); Wendell Marshall, Tommy Potter (b); Walter Bolden, Art Taylor (d)

Baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne developed a recording and on-stage collaboration with pianist Duke Jordan that started in the mid Fifties and would last until the late 1980s. This CD contains some of the most successful encounters recorded in the early years of their relationship. Made first as a quartet with Tommy Potter and Art Taylor’s inspiring support, and later with the addition of the exceptional Kenny Dorham, these 1956 sides are full of life. On the 1962 session, the muted work and warm sound of another trumpeter, Johnny Coles, is in evidence. In the rhythm section, Wendell Marshall and Walter Bolden tie the time down with taste and complete assurance. The Payne on these sides was in his most spirited form, and Jordan, a too-often underestimated pianist, plays with creativity and intelligence. On a cooking set his spare, highly melodic style is a constant delight.

Track list:

01. This Time The Dream’s On Me 3:50
02. How Deep Is The Ocean 7:49
03. Chessman’s Delight 5:28
04. Arnetta 3:39
05. Saucer Eyes 6:39
06. Man Of Moods 5:33
07. Bringing Up Father 6:20
08. Groovin’ High 4:23
09. Yes, He’s Gone 3:49
10. Dexterity 3:58
11. I’m Gonna Learn Your Style 4:45
12. Like Church 4:58
13. Tall Grass 3:20

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studios, Hackensack N.J., 1956, and New York City, 1962