Duke Jordan Albums (42)
'Kiss of Spain'
Release Date 12/15/2007
Tracks 10
Label Tokuma Japan Comm.
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What The Critics Say
Bop pianist Duke Jordan taped this trio session in Japan with bassist Ino Nobuyoshi and drummer Togashi Masahiko, though this isn't a typical outing for him at all, as it leans more toward ballads. The understated opener is his "Kiss of Spain," which features rather prominent percussion and a repetitious theme. The waltzing "When You Wish Upon a Star" sounds more like Erroll Garner than Duke Jordan. Finally, "All the Things You Are" seems to get Jordan loosened up. This is a good but not essential CD by Duke Jordan. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Beauty of Scandinavia'
Release Date 4/13/2004
Tracks 11
Label Import
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'Flight to Norway'
Release Date 10/1/2003
Tracks 12
Label SteepleChase
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'Acoustic Live at 3361 Black'
Release Date 3/3/2003
Tracks 6
Label Tokuma
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'So Nice Duke'
Release Date 12/9/2002
Tracks 7
Label Three Blind Mice
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What The Critics Say
There are three previously unissued recordings on the Marshmallow label for jazz pianist Duke Jordan that have come onto the marketplace. This is the best of them, a nightclub date at the famous Duc Des Lombards on the legendary jazz strip in Paris, France. It's a trio led by Jordan with lesser-known bassist Luigi Trussardi on bass and drummer Al Levitt, who both honor their roles as rhythm mates admirably, if not unspectacularly. Jordan sounds great on this program of standards, adaptations of standards, and three of his originals. Jordan's facile, witty, clean, and literate piano shines through, and in fact never sounded better even though this was near the end of his life. There's an easy, cool, and classy stance taken by Jordan on his "Fuji Blues" which sounds similar to "Dear Old Stockholm," two-fisted dramatic piano chords driving the original post-bop swinger "King Finn's a Ball" bearing resemblance to "Close Enough for Love," and Jordan's all-time classic, his original "Jordu," which by now many talented pianists play. On the version of "Jordu," Jordan takes liberties with the melody, expounding and extrapolating on the second chorus. He takes the well established note sequence of "Sweet Georgia Brown" as written the second time around, but the first time through, he substitutes completely reharmonized lines. "I Surrender Dear" is done in a classical stride solo manner, his cascading, flowing melody line on the ballad "Everything Happens to Me" turns dour to bright, and more polite classicism accents "It's Alright with Me." This is an item Duke Jordan collectors will want, as the music is well done, digitally reproduced immaculately, and is a worthy item in this underrated jazzman's discography. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
'Les Liasions Dangereuses'
Release Date 10/21/1997
Tracks 7
Label Collectables
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What The Critics Say
Collectable's reissue of Duke Jordan's soundtrack for Roger Vadim's film Les Liasions Dangereuses is a straight-up reissue, containing all seven tracks from the original album. Supported by Art Taylor, Eddie Kahn, Charlie Rouse and Sonny Cohn, Jordan plays a laid-back set of bop that only rarely moves over to hard-bop. For the most part, the record consists of romantic or atmospheric mood pieces and while this doesn't capture Jordan at his best, it certainly is enjoyable music. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Duke Jordan New York/Bud Powell Paris'
Release Date 7/29/1997
Tracks 15
Label Vogue
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What The Critics Say
This highly enjoyable 1997 CD has some classic bebop from pianist Duke Jordan, who is joined by bassist Gene Ramey and drummer Lee Abrams during his first recording session as a leader. Jordan, who seven years earlier had been Charlie Parker's pianist in one of Bird's finest groups, reprises his famous introduction to "Embraceable You," introduces his most famous composition ("Jordu"), and swings his way through a variety of standards and two other originals ("Scotch Blues" and "Wait and See") that are worth reviving. The three alternate takes had been previously unreleased. This CD also has the four songs recorded during a session a 1960 in Paris by Bud Powell in a trio with bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Kenny Clarke. The troubled pianist was fortunately having a good day, and is heard in near-prime form on such numbers as "John's Abbey" and "Crossin' the Channel." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
