The Murray Hill Caper

AMG Review of The Murray Hill Caper

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Pianist Duke Jordan is featured in two different settings on this early Spotlite LP. Unfortunately, the recording quality is not quite state-of-the-art for the period, but the results are certainly listenable. Jordan teams up with baritonist Cecil Payne, bassist David Williams and drummer Al Foster for five of his originals ("Flight to Jordan" is easily the best-known), plus "Night and Day." The second half of the album features Jordan with bassist Lloyd Buchanon and drummer Brian Brake on three of his more obscure but enjoyable originals. This set of fresh bop, although not one of Duke Jordan's most significant releases, is worthwhile.