New York 1964

Kenny Dorham spent his career being famous for not being famous, a perennially underrated trumpeter who was overshadowed by Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and Lee Morgan. Always an excellent bop and hard bop player, Dorham is heard on New York 1964 in solid form. The first five selections were recorded in a trio with pianist Barry Harris in 1964. The music was previously out on an obscure Raretone LP. The last two numbers are from 1963, they match Dorham with pianist Tete Montoliu and were formerly released on a pair of Steeplechase albums, the lone quartet performances from two quintet sessions. The recording quality in all cases is decent and listenable, but far from impeccable. Dorham sounds fine during what would be the last part of a fairly brief career, although nothing all that essential occurs during these boppish performances. [RLR Recordings' 2006 reissue included bonus tracks.] ~ Scott Yanow|