Customer Reviews

Ignore this cd at your peril! - By: , 26 Feb 2004
Kenny Dorham is one of the most under-rated figuresin jazz history. He is constantly obscured by the hysteria surrounding his peers (Miles Davis & the like). Whilst Dorham may not have the lyrical conciseness of Miles, the virtuistic bravado of Dizzy or the heartfelt truth of Chet; his be-bop stylings are unmistakable & unique. In truth he sits somewherein the middle of Miles, Dizzy & Chet (think the tonal vunerability of Chet playing with the phrasing of Dizzy, & the inflective ability to follow an idea of Miles & you're halfway there). Perhaps this the reason for his obscurity, the fact that he is so 'middle of the road' when compared to other figures throughout jazz. But if you're a fan 60's jazz & you think you've heard it all, if you're reduced to listening to Wynton Marsalis & the 'hard-bop revival' to quench your listening requirements, go back & check out Dorham. He ain't to be missed.
The album 'Una Mas' was recordedin '63, & is characteristic Jazz at the time. Recorded just a few months before Lee Morgan's classic album 'The Sidewinder', it is very easy to draw comparison between the two. Both experiemnt with the fusion of jazz & latin rhythms; to the extent that their title tracks are VERY similar (buy it & see for youself...). And of course, both albums feature the ubiquitous Joe Henderson on tenor. Una Mas also features a young Herbie Hancock on piano, with Tony Williams on drums & Butch Warren on bass. A classic line-up & no mistake. Una Mas sees dorham branching further away from his be-bop roots, his playing is more impulsive & experimental than his work with Birdin the 40's, by this time Dorham is well into the avant-garde school. This recording is considered by many one of Dorham's greatest. So please, dont buy a re-issue of some rightfully obscure early Miles or, one of Wynton Marsalis' dull, backward looking displays of technical virtuosity. Buy this. You might just discover a forgotten jem.