Clifford Jordan's two volumes of sessions under the title
Glass Bead Games have long been heralded as some of the most important work of his career. These once rare recordings, previously issued as individual albums and as a two-LP set by Strata East, feature the late tenor saxophonist leading two separate quartets. The first, with pianist
Stanley Cowell, bassist Bill Lee and drummer
Billy Higgins, consists of seven powerful originals by the band. The portraits include
Jordan's well-named "Powerful Paul Robeson" and
Cowell's driving post-bop tribute "Cal Massey." But it is Lee's moving "John Coltrane" which opens with a solo chorus by its composer and includes a vocal chant by
Jordan,
Higgins and Lee, that leaves the most lasting impression, with influences from throughout several of
Coltrane's landmark recordings made during the '60s. Lee's "Biskit," which follows his piece "Eddie Harris," sounds as if
Harris himself could have written it. The second quartet has
Cedar Walton taking over on piano and
Sam Jones on bass. This session is not quite as adventurous but is every bit as enjoyable, with stimulating compositions by
Walton,
Cowell,
Higgins and
Jones.
Jordan devours his drummer's "Alias Buster Henry" whole with his far-reaching solo.
Jones' blues "One for Amos" was the only established piece recorded for the album, having received wide exposure during the previous decade; this updated arrangement ranks among its finest interpretations. Long out of print and fetching high prices at auctions, this Harvest Song reissue, which combines all issued tracks on one disc, returns a legendary release to print at a much more affordable price. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden