Search - Clifford Quartet Jordan :: Vol. 1-Glass Bead Games

If you find it, buy it!

J. Steichmann | Ann Arbor, MI USA | 06/21/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the 3-star rating throw you off. This cd has some amazing music on it; I give it three stars because about half is just very good soul-bop. This cd was one of the amazing Strata-East releases of the early 70's. There are two quartets, both led by Jordan with Bill Lee and Billy Higgins or Sam Jones and Louis Hayes as the bass/drums and long time Jordan foils Cowell or Walton on piano. This album contained the first recording of "John Coltrane" Bill Lee's homage. Both rhythm sections were regular working bands for Jordan, and their closeness and comfort with each other is apparent. Their ease is perhaps what keeps me from giving this a 5-star rating, but it is consistently very good and occasionally brilliant. The recording has not been re-released because the beauty of Strata was also it's downfall. As an artist-owned label, they licensed works from the musicians and the rights reverted after the contracted run. The rights to this one are with the Jordan estate, and or whatever reason, they have not made this one available. Charly Records had no such compunctions and released this non-sanctioned version in Europe. Jordan blows cool and crazed on the whole disc, and it remains one of the best of his ouvre, second only to _In The World_, his other Strata-East release that also remains lamentably dormant."

Elegant tight jazz that should not be missed!

Speedy | Fl, MO USA | 11/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent album (i have the Lp version which unites vol 1 & vol 2 in one package) that brings together the elegant and impecable writting of Jordan, Cowell, Walton and Higgins. The solos are of the highest order and the tightness of the arrangements puts to shame many young cats that should listen to these master elders.

Hard to find in any media you should get this at any cost if you have been amazed by Coltrane, Arthur blythe and the likes."