Jordan/Davis/Williams/Burrage - Four Play (CD)

All Music Guide

Although this CD is technically listed under all four musicians' names (tenor-saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist James Williams, bassist Richard Davis and drummer Ronnie Burrage), Jordan (who contributed two of the four originals) is primarily the lead voice. His sound was always instantly recognizable and he seemed to be in a good mood for the date, judging by the many song quotes he throws into his solos (espacially on "Hi Fly"). Wiliams sounds at his best on his original jazz waltz "For My Nephews," a tune that also features Davis' bowed bass. Overall this Japanese CD (which was made available for a time domestically through Columbia) is a good example of the hard bop mainstream of the early 1990's as played by some of its best practioners.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide