One of many recordings by
Duke Jordan for Steeplechase, this trio session pairs the pianist with bassist
David Friesen and drummer
Philly Joe Jones. There's a bit of hyperbole in the album's title, as the play list is hardly adventurous and the arrangements are average, in spite of the strong personnel. The date opens with a rather perfunctory rendition of "All the Things You Are" that incorporates
Dizzy Gillespie's famous introductory vamp, and a spacious "Moonglow" followed by
Duke Ellington's overly recorded "Satin Doll," a piece even many
Ellington fans are tired of hearing.
Jones sets up "A Night in Tunisia" with an extended fiery solo, with
Jordan and
Friesen firing on all cylinders in a romp through this bop standard.
Friesen's delicious walking bass is the highlight of "Blues in the Closet." The CD edition adds a previously unissued track,
Jordan's warm, low-key ballad "Thinking of You."