During a ten-year period before illness caused his premature retirement, trumpeter
Kenny Dorham was a prolific recording artist and composer, though he has been unjustly overlooked for his songs. Trumpeter
Don Sickler was asked to do a songbook of
Dorham's music and looked over his entire output before selecting seven works; it was also
Sickler's debut album as a leader. Accompanied by a formidable group of musicians, including tenor saxophonist
Jimmy Heath (also a superb arranger, though his contributions aren't heard on this date), pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Ron Carter, and drummer
Billy Higgins,
Sickler concentrates primarily on less frequently performed songs. The joyful spirit of "Spring Cannon" contrasts with the sauntering, darker "Escapade." But the most interesting track is the obscure, richly textured ballad "Blue Lament," recorded previously by
Dorham for Blue Note but never issued. This fine tribute is easily recommended to hard bop fans. ~ Ken Dryden