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Kenny Dorham: Blue Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco
Kenny Dorham
trumpet1924 - 1972
Sonny Red
saxophone, altob.1932
Cedar Walton
piano1934 - 2013
Paul Chambers
bass, acoustic1935 - 1969
Denis Charles
drums1933 - 1998
Transferred from the original tape reels captured by the renowned engineer Bernard Drayton, this recording is a treasure trove. The digital download and CD include an elaborate 36-page booklet, featuring liner notes by jazz historian Bob Blumenthal, along with interviews and testimonials from artists and writers who knew or were inspired by Dorham, such as
Eddie Henderson
trumpetb.1940
Charles Tolliver
trumpetb.1942
Jeremy Pelt
trumpetb.1976
Steven Bernstein
trumpetb.1961
Reggie Workman
bassb.1937
Dan Morgenstern
author1929 - 2024
Years later, the pleasure remains intact as we rediscover him through this magnificent recording. The sound, of course, is of its time; less defined than in the digital era. But the essence is there: Dorham's genius and the warm, electric atmosphere of the audience. The album opens with "Blue Bossa" and closes with "Blue Friday," a perfect arc.
The trumpeter, who passed away in 1972, stood among the greatest jazz musicians of his era. He played alongside
Lionel Hampton
vibraphone1908 - 2002
Billy Eckstine
vocals1914 - 1993
Mercer Ellington
trumpet1919 - 1996
Charlie Parker
saxophone, alto1920 - 1955
Dorham recorded as a sideman with
Thelonious Monk
piano1917 - 1982
Sonny Rollins
saxophoneb.1930
Clifford Brown
trumpetb.1930
Max Roach
drums1925 - 2007
Art Blakey
drums1919 - 1990
Bobby Timmons
piano1935 - 1974
Sam Jones
bass, acoustic1924 - 1981
J.R. Monterose
saxophone, tenor1927 - 1993
Kenny Burrell
guitar, electricb.1931
The album's opening track, "Blue Bossa," is perhaps one of the most significant and widely recognized jazz compositions today. Countless versions exist, some brilliant, others less remarkable. But ultimately, a musician's success is often measured by the number of peers who choose to reinterpret their work. Dorham, as a composer, held himself to an exacting standard, refusing to simply craft variations on existing themes. His compositions were always fully realized pieces, each with a clear beginning, middle, and end, miniature narratives in their own right. "Blue Bossa" is a striking example of this approach.
This album is one of those that you collect and guard jealously, only taking it out in the company of those who truly understand its value. ">
Track Listing
Blue Bossa; Confirmation; Memories of You; My One and Only Love; Bags’ Groove; Blue Friday; The Theme.
Personnel
Kenny Dorham
trumpetSonny Red
saxophone, alto
Cedar Walton
piano
Paul Chambers
bass, acoustic
Denis Charles
drumsAlbum information
Title: Blue Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Resonance Records
Tags
{{PKenny Dorham}}
Album Review
Thierry De Clemensat
Blue Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco
Resonance Records
Kenny Dorham
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