Where technology meets art

Clifford Jordan Quartet, October 1987 – Baltimore, Maryland

This remarkable set was recorded live at Ethel’s in 1987, and the CD issue of it has developed an underground following for years. For the first time, part of the full performance recorded by the brilliant work of Pierre Sprey of Mapleshade Records is now available on tape. As Pierre himself said, recording live is always a gamble. But when it pays off, nothing beats it for excitement and presence. In this case, the sound is stunning. Clifford’s gorgeous tone and bluesy harmonies come through loud and clear on these performances. He doesn’t sound like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Lester Young, or Coleman Hawkins; he sounds like himself. Adding to the high quality result, the rhythm section does a brilliant job working with Clifford, never playing a weak or subservient role, but driving the quality to an even higher echelon with its own unique approach. A true gem.