Clifford Jordan - Night Of The Mark VII (Live) (1975/2019)

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.