The late tenor saxophonist
Clifford Jordan always had a distinctive tone and a flexible, swinging style. He never became overly famous as a leader (he is best remembered for his association with
Charles Mingus), but his own record dates were consistently rewarding, including
Night of the Mark 7. Assisted and inspired by pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Sam Jones, and drummer
Billy Higgins,
Jordan performs
Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk,"
Jones' blues "One for Amos,"
Walton's appealing "Midnight Waltz," the tenor's own title cut, and Bill Lee's "John Coltrane." The latter piece brings back some of
Coltrane's intensity and hints at part of his
Love Supreme suite. There are plenty of fine solos throughout the live date (recorded in Paris) by
Jordan and
Walton. Overall,
Night of the Mark 7 features high-quality hard bop from four of the greats of the idiom, so it is easily recommended to those not already owning the music. ~ Scott Yanow