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Starting Time ~ Clifford Jordan | By Eddie Carter

Clifford Jordan enters the spotlight to begin November with a wonderful 1961 quintet date called Starting Time (Jazzland JLP 52/JLP 52S). It was the tenor saxophonist’s seventh album as a leader and second on the label following A Story Tale. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and early in his career, played with Max Roach and Sonny Stitt and was also a member of a few rhythm and blues groups. Clifford recorded three albums at Blue Note after moving to New York in 1957. Here, he is joined by Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Cedar Walton on piano, Wilbur Ware on bass, and Albert Heath on drums. My copy is the 1984 US Original Jazz Classics Stereo reissue (Jazzland OJC-147).

The opener, Sunrise in Mexico by Kenny Dorham, first appeared on the trumpeter’s album, Whistle Stop. The front line begins the introduction in unison, segueing into the quintet’s mid-tempo melody. Clifford is up first, and then Cedar has a satisfying statement. Wilbur and Albert share a brief comment before the group’s closing chorus fades out slowly. Extempore is a blues by Clifford Jordan that gets underway with the ensemble’s inviting theme. Jordan opens with a solo as smooth as velvet, and then Dorham glides through the second statement leisurely. Ware continues this bluesy trip in the following reading, and Walton speaks briefly ahead of the melody’s return and climax.

Down Through the Years is a very pretty ballad by the leader that the quintet begins with a delicately gentle melody. Clifford opens with a thoughtfully polite reading. Kenny takes a beautiful romantic interpretation next. Cedar closes with an elegantly serene performance preceding the ensemble’s tender reprise and conclusion. Quittin’ Time is the saxophonist’s lively way to end the first side with the group’s brisk theme. Jordan goes first with a spirited statement, and then Dorham keeps things rolling. Walton enters the next solo swiftly, and Heath swings comfortably in the closer, leading to the theme’s restatement and exit.

Side Two starts with One Flight Down, a funky blues by Cedar Walton that the quintet has some fun with. Cedar takes charge first with an infectiously laid-back solo. Kenny gets the next nod, and Jordan takes over for a short, satisfying statement leading to the closing chorus. Windmill by Kenny Dorham also comes from Whistle Stop and is a speedster from the quintet’s opening chorus. Dorham fires the first shot with an electrically charged interpretation. Jordan soars into an enthusiastic performance next, and then Walton shifts into high gear on the third reading. The leader has a vigorous exchange with Heath before the reprise and summation.

Don’t You Know I Care by Duke Ellington and Mack David is a quartet performance by Clifford and the rhythm section. The saxophonist is the featured soloist and begins with a warm tone on the melody and a beautifully phrased opening solo. Cedar shines briefly in a concise comment until Clifford reappears to take the song out tenderly. Mosaic by Cedar Walton became the title tune of an album by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. The quintet begins with Dorham leading the way on the Eastern-flavored melody. Jordan takes the first statement, and then Dorham makes a profound impression next. Walton takes us into the ensemble’s reprise with a splendid solo.

Orrin Keepnews produced Starting Time, and Ray Fowler was the recording engineer. The sound quality of this OJC reissue is wonderful, with a soundstage that places the listener’s sweet spot in the studio as the musicians are playing. Clifford Jordan recorded thirty-six albums as a leader, and as a sideman, he appeared with some of the greatest musicians in jazz. For those fans of the tenor sax who enjoy a great hard-bop album, I invite you to check out Starting Time by Clifford Jordan on your next record-shopping trip. It’s a terrific record that I highly recommend as a welcome addition to any jazz library!

~ A Story Tale (Jazzland JLP 40/940S), Mosaic (Blue Note BLP 4090/BST 84090), Whistle Stop (Blue Note BLP 4063/BST 84063) – Source: Discogs.com © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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