CD review: Duke Jordan feat. Bent Jaedig – Montmartre 73 – 2022: Video, CD cover

Duke Jordan’s early success came as member of the Charlie Parker Quintet contributing some of the most endearingly apt introductions of the jazz’ classic repertoires such as Embraceable You.

He composed quite a few great jazz tunes that became standard numbers like Jor-du and No Problem among others. After a lengthy hiatus due to his drug problems in the 60s Jordan was rescued by a handful of Danish jazz enthusiasts and started resuming his professional career in Europe and Japan.

The featured young tenorist Bent Jædig had shared the bandstand with Jordan during the years into the 80s. Along with Jædig two guest players were sitting in: bassists Eddie Gomez (in town with Bill Evans), and South African Johnny Dyani.

This live recording finds Jordan at the famed jazz club Montmartre in the heart of Copenhagen the night before the (studio) recording session of his best-selling album Flight To Denmark (SLC 30337). Duke Jordan made Denmark his permanent home until his death in 2006.

1. Embraceable You (07:29)
2. No Problem (06:09)
3. The Man I Love (12:18)
4. These Foolish Things (08:54)
5. Walkin’ (12:24)
6. W’utless (05:25)
7. Scrapple From The Apple (07:58)
8. Jordu (05:37)

Duke Jordan (piano)
Bent Jadig (tenor sax on tracks 1, 7 & 8)
Allan Gregersen (bass)
Johnny Dyani (bass on track 4)
Eddie Gomez (bass on track 5)
Jorn Elniff (drums)