CLIFFORD JORDAN In The World LP STRATA-EAST SES 1972 US 1972 PROMO Kenny Dorham
In The World is one of the crown jewels of the Strata-East catalog and a powerful statement from tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan during one of the most creative periods in independent jazz history. Recorded in 1972 and released on the musician-owned Strata-East label, the album captures the spirit of artistic freedom that defined the post-Coltrane era. Unlike many major-label jazz recordings of the time, Strata-East allowed artists complete control over their music, resulting in recordings that were often more adventurous, spiritual, and deeply personal.
Jordan assembled an exceptional ensemble featuring trumpet master Woody Shaw, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, among others. Together they create a sound that balances hard-bop sophistication with the exploratory energy of the emerging spiritual jazz movement. The music remains rooted in melody and swing while stretching toward new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities.
One of the album's most celebrated performances is "Ouaga", an expansive piece inspired by African rhythms and communal interaction. Jordan's tenor sound is warm, commanding, and deeply expressive throughout, while Woody Shaw contributes some of the most imaginative trumpet work of his early career. The interplay between Shaw and Jordan is one of the record's greatest strengths, demonstrating the mutual respect shared by two of the most advanced improvisers of the era.
A fascinating piece of trivia is that Strata-East was founded by trumpeter Charles Tolliver and pianist Stanley Cowell specifically to give musicians ownership of their recordings at a time when many jazz artists felt constrained by major labels. Because the label operated independently and often in relatively small quantities, original pressings of In The World have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Another interesting detail is that this album was recorded during a period when Clifford Jordan was becoming increasingly interested in connecting jazz to African musical traditions. The title itself reflects a broader global consciousness that many jazz musicians were embracing in the early 1970s. Rather than focusing solely on American jazz traditions, artists like Jordan sought inspiration from African culture, spirituality, and history.
Today, In The World is regarded as one of Clifford Jordan's finest achievements and a cornerstone of the Strata-East label. It is a record that successfully bridges hard bop, spiritual jazz, and the independent jazz movement of the 1970s, making it essential listening for collectors and adventurous jazz fans alike.
ELVIN JONES RICHARD DAVIS Heavy Sounds LP IMPULSE! AS-9160 Orig US 1968 CLEAN
Heavy Sounds is one of the most fascinating and underrated releases in the Impulse! catalog, bringing together two giants of modern jazz: drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Richard Davis. Recorded in 1967 and released in 1968, the album captures a remarkable meeting of musical minds during a period when jazz was rapidly evolving beyond the boundaries of hard bop.
Best known as the rhythmic engine behind John Coltrane's legendary quartet, Elvin Jones had already established himself as one of the most influential drummers in jazz history. On Heavy Sounds, however, Jones is more than a sideman—he is a co-leader and creative force, shaping the music with his powerful polyrhythms and unmistakable sense of momentum. Alongside him, Richard Davis demonstrates why he was one of the most respected bassists of his generation. Equally comfortable in classical music, straight-ahead jazz, and avant-garde settings, Davis brings extraordinary technique, warmth, and imagination to every performance.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring trumpeter Booker Ervin, saxophonist Frank Foster, and pianist Billy Greene. Together they create a sound that is deeply rooted in the blues while embracing the adventurous spirit that characterized much of late-1960s jazz. The chemistry between Jones and Davis is the album's defining feature, with both musicians engaging in constant dialogue, pushing and inspiring one another throughout the session.
One of the album's highlights is "Summertime," George Gershwin's classic transformed into an expansive and deeply soulful exploration. Rather than treating the tune as a standard, the group reinvents it with powerful rhythmic interplay and expressive improvisation, creating a version that is both familiar and strikingly original.
A fascinating piece of trivia is that Richard Davis was one of the most recorded bassists of the era, appearing on classic albums by Eric Dolphy, Andrew Hill, Van Morrison, and even Bruce Springsteen. Meanwhile, Elvin Jones was beginning to establish his own identity outside of the Coltrane legacy, and Heavy Sounds stands as one of the earliest and strongest examples of his emergence as a leader.
Today, Heavy Sounds remains a favorite among collectors not only because of its stellar personnel and Impulse! pedigree, but also because it captures two jazz masters at the peak of their powers. Blending hard bop, post-bop, blues, and modal influences, the album is a powerful showcase of the creativity and freedom that defined jazz during one of its most exciting eras.