These Are My Roots: Clifford Jordan Plays Leadbelly

Clifford Jordan was unusual among the tenor greats in some of the themes he pursued. Take his masterpiece “Glass Bead Games,” with its title drawn from Hermann Hesse’s austere work, and this album of songs associated with Leadbelly. Who else would have thought of them much less executed them with so much artistry.Jordan and his brilliant supporting cast acquit themselves with verve and feeling that is a mixture of jazz improvisation and gritty folk and blues. But Sandra Douglas, a singer I’ve never heard elsewhere, is so tremendously moving in her two vocals that you’ll want to cry. Why wasn’t she recorded more?

I was initially attracted to this album since I am fan of both Leadbelly and Clifford Jordan. But after spending some time with this, I'm not exactly how sure how much this has to do with Leadbelly specifically, although some of his melodies transfer fluently into a jazz setting. Instead this seems to be an excuse for Clifford Jordan to really get into the blues, which he does very well. His huge tenor tone consistently sounds uplifting and enjoyable on these 10 tracks, and he is backed by a superb rhythm section, which includes Richard Davis, Al Heath, and Cedar Walton. Roy Burrowes (who played with Ellington) on trumpet and Julian Priester (who played with just about everyone) on trombone, give many of the choruses a tonal complexity that sometimes made me feel I was listening to a much larger big band outing. But then what really sets this recording apart is the vocals (unfortanetely on only two tracks) by a singer named Sandra Douglass. I can find no information on this evocative singer on Allmusic or elsewhere, but honestly if Clifford Jordan had gotten Etta James or Dinah Washington to sing instead, I'm not sure if this these tracks could have been improved. She puts a ton of emotion into these tunes and I hope that her singing is digitally preserved elsewhere.These musicians - certainly some of the greatest jazz musicians ever - push this CD beyond the level of a gimmick or curiousity. I'd recommend this to anyone with an interest in soulful hard bop, especially if they appreciate Leadbelly, one of the greatest blues singers and songwriters.

I believe this work by great saxophone player Clifford Jordan is among his best. Rather different in approach and conception from most of his output, this record is intended as a tribute but also as an emotional, thoughtful interpretation of a respected artist. Heartfelt music.

Great

But then again there is no accounting for taste so somebody might like.But IMHO this was the one clunker in the otherwise great Cliford Jordan catalog.Listen.....Chazz

Very pleased