Requisites
Cliff Craft~Cliff Jordan | By Eddie Carter
Submitted for your approval to begin this morning’s discussion is a pleasant album that was loaned to me to audition by tenor saxophonist, Cliff Jordan. Cliff Craft (BLP 1582) is the third and final album the Chicagoan would record for Blue Note following his debut with tenor man John Gilmore, Blowin’ In From Chicago, and his self-titled album, Cliff Jordan, all three were released in 1957. My copy used in this report is the 2011 Music Matters 45-rpm Stereo audiophile reissue (MMBST-81582)! The first true Stereo reissue of Cliff Craft was discovered in Blue Note’s vaults, thanks to a master tape Rudy Van Gelder made that was released by Classic Records in 1999.
Backing him on this LP is one of my favorite musicians, Art Farmer on trumpet; alongside Sonny Clark on piano; George Tucker on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. Record One begins with Laconia, Jordan’s middle name starts with a Latin flavor on the melody that’s sheer magic. Art solos first, delivering an expressive opening solo reminiscent of Miles Davis’ sound on Round About Midnight, also released in 1957. Sonny takes the next interpretation with youthful energy as smooth as velvet; Cliff closes with a mellow tone on the final performance that’s vividly imaginative and right on the beat.
Soul-Lo Blues, the second Jordan tune occupies Side Two and starts with an impressive bass line by Tucker who’s joined briefly by Clark, then the ensemble on the main theme. Jordan shows his prowess on the first statement with an illuminating exploration that strives forward at a smooth flow. Farmer mesmerizes with impeccable chops on the second easy-going interpretation. Clark continues this bluesy adventure, swinging comfortably on the third reading, inspiring Tucker who makes a significant contribution on the closer with a relaxed delivery before a splendid closing chorus by the ensemble.
Record Two opens with the title tune, Cliff Craft by the saxophonist comes out the gate quickly with a rapid introduction and melody. Cliff takes off first with a strong performance that fuels the rhythm section with a rocking beat. Art follows with a dazzling presentation of passionate exhilaration on the next solo. Sonny responds to the previous statements with radiant verses that follow one another with confident assurance. Louis shines last in an engaging conversation with Farmer and Jordan ahead of the finale.
Up next is Confirmation by Charlie Parker that opens with Sonny playing a few bars before the quintet’s vivacious delivery of the melody. Jordan is up first with a lead solo that shows the joy in his playing and that his music comes from the heart. Farmer puts some fresh clothes on this bebop anthem with a soulful tone, then Clark instills the third interpretation with energetic exuberance supported by the solid supplement of Tucker and Hayes. The drummer gives the final statement a spirited workout illustrating his impeccable sense of time while trading choruses with Farmer and Jordan before the out-chorus and concise punctuation by Tucker at the song’s climax.
The final side starts with Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, and Mitchell Parish. The 1933 standard is a quartet performance handled with tender finesse by Jordan, Clark, Tucker, and Hayes. Cliff opens with a smoky, sultry reading, then Sonny follows with a regal interpretation that’s delicately gentle. George culminates the statements with a tender touch of elegance, and Louis binds the song together with compassionate timekeeping into a pretty coda.
Anthropology by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie was composed in 1945 and originally titled, Thriving From a Riff. The ensemble is firing on all cylinders for this brisk swinger; both horns fire the first shot beginning the introduction and opening chorus. Farmer takes charge first with a prodigious performance that sets the tone. Jordan is up next with a sprightly reading, then comes Clark who’s bright, lively, and cheerful on the third solo. The front line returns to exchange a few choruses with Hayes who makes the perfect comment into the out-chorus. The quality and care that go into the MMJ reissues are well-known among jazz lovers and audiophiles.
There’s the excellent remastering of Rudy Van Gelder’s analog tapes utilizing 180-gram Virgin Vinyl. Also, the high-quality of the gatefold covers and superb photography inside the gatefold could hang on the wall in your listening room. The music on Cliff Craft is exquisitely recorded with a sensational soundstage that one could listen to repeatedly. If you’re a fan of tenor sax, Hard-Bop, or in the mood for an album perfect for late-night listening, I submit for your consideration Cliff Craft by Cliff Jordan. It’s a solid record that’s capable of smoothing the rough edges from your day and enjoy with your favorite drink!
~ Blowin’ In From Chicago (Blue Note BLP 1547); Cliff Craft (BST 81582); Cliff Jordan (BLP 1565); Round About Midnight (Columbia CL 949) – Source: Discogs.com ~Confirmation, Sophisticated Lady, Anthropology – Source: JazzStandards.com ~© 2020 by Edward Thomas Carter Synopsis
Cliff Craft is an album by American jazz saxophonist Clifford Jordan featuring performances recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey on November 10, 1957 and released on the Blue Note label. Track Listing | 43:18
- Laconia ~ 7:06
- Soul-Lo Blues ~ 8:29
- Cliff Craft ~ 6:30
- Confirmation (Charlie Parker) ~ 7:34
- Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish) ~ 6:46
- Anthropology (Dizzy Gillespie, Parker) ~ 7:03
- Clifford Jordan – tenor saxophone
- Art Farmer – trumpet (tracks 1-4 & 6)
- Sonny Clark – piano
- George Tucker – bass
- Louis Hayes – drums
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