Afro-Cuban - Kenny Dorham

I got a request a few months ago from someone who wanted to see some Kenny Dorham albums on my list. Just because I don't have KD on list as a leader doesn't mean I don't love the cat. I am a big Kenny Dorham fan -- I especially like his work with Joe Henderson (as evident in my review of In N' Out). That being said - it is definitely time to pay homage to one of the most underrated trumpet players (and musicians) in jazz.

Afro-Cuban is an amazing album with an even more amazing line up of players: Kenny Dorham (trumpet), J. J. Johnson (trombone), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Cecil Payne (baritone sax), Horace Silver (piano), Percy Heath - Oscar Pettiford (bass), Carlos “Potato” Valdes (conga) and Art Blakey (drums). How can you go wrong with that line up? I have always considered Latin music "feel good" music and this is no exception. It is very difficult to sit still or be in a sour mood with this CD playing. Kenny Dorham writes some great music for this performance my favorite being the opening track - "Afrodisia." While KD does not have the technical prowess of Freddie Hubbard or Lee Morgan, his playing is always energized and expressive. His efforts here do not disappoint and he does very well in this genre/style of music.

There is also plenty of straight ahead jazz to sample on this CD (check out KD's delicate delivery of "Lotus Flower"). I love the variety it offers. I recommend that you check out Afro-Cuban and get familiar with the work of Kenny Dorham. If you want additional album suggestions please feel free to email me. There are plenty to choose from.

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