KENNY DORHAM
Una Mas (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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By all rights, Kenny Dorham should have had a inferiority complex. He was an in demand professional who played in some of the more famous bands in Jazz. Try these groups: Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, Charlie Parker, the very first version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messenger's, and Max Roach. Yet Dorham consistently was overshadowed by more famous trumpeters such as Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, Miles Davis, Cliiford Brown, and Lee Morgan. Perhaps Dorham was underrated since he was not an influential innovator. Instead he was a great technician and outstanding composer.

In addition, Dorham possessed an excellent eye for new talent, and Una Mas, recorded in 1963, is no exception. Along side of the veteran Butch Warren on bass, Dorham used Joe Henderson on tenor sax (this was Joe's first recording), Herbie Hancock on piano, and Tony Williams (a mere 17 years old) on drums. Hancock and Williams had yet to play for Miles Davis.

With all this young talent, one would expect a great session, and Dorham delivered. Three of the tracks were lengthy originals by Dorham. Using Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms extensively, Dorham wrote and played brilliantly, never becoming trite or stale. The entire group was at its fiery, passionate best, with one scorching solo after another. This was a band of young lions, and they played like there was no tomorrow.

The title track established the pace for the recording. The group quickly found its groove, and the results are appealing and infectious. Before the listener realized it, the fifteen minute song was over and another hot track was grabbing hold. After three smoking Latin and blues tinged songs, Dorham ended the recording with an exquisitely poignant and soft version of "If Ever I Would Leave You" that is startling in its simple beauty.

Dorham may have been underrated throughout his career, but that doesn't mean he should be forgotten. Do yourself a favor and listen to Una Mas one more time. Classic music such as this is timeless.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich