Flight to Denmark

by Scott YanowPianist Duke Jordan has recorded a long series of sessions for the Danish SteepleChase label starting with this 1973 set which has been reissued on CD with four additional selections (three of which are alternate takes). Performing in a trio with bassist Mads Vinding and drummer Ed Thigpen, Jordan plays five of his originals (including "No Problem," "Flight to Denmark" and "Jordu") plus four standards. The pianist's style is easily recognizable (it had not changed much nor lost its enthusiasm since 1947 when he achieved fame playing with Charlie Parker) and this CD is a good example of his talents. [Originally released in 1973, Flight to Denmark was reissued as an import-only Japanese CD in 2002.]