I got a request a few months ago from someone who wanted to see some Kenny
Dorham albums on my list. Just because I don’t have KD on list as a leader
doesn’t mean I don’t love the cat. I am a big Kenny Dorham fan — I especially
like his work with Joe Henderson (as evident in my review of In N’ Out). That
being said – it is definitely time to pay homage to one of the most underrated
trumpet players (and musicians) in jazz.

Afro-Cuban is an amazing album with an even more amazing line up of
players: Kenny Dorham (trumpet), J. J. Johnson (trombone), Hank Mobley (tenor
sax), Cecil Payne (baritone sax), Horace Silver (piano), Percy Heath – Oscar
Pettiford (bass), Carlos ?Potato? Valdes (conga) and Art Blakey (drums). How can
you go wrong with that line up? I have always considered Latin music "feel good"
music and this is no exception. It is very difficult to sit still or be in a
sour mood with this CD playing. Kenny Dorham writes some great music for this
performance my favorite being the opening track – "Afrodisia." While KD does not
have the technical prowess of Freddie Hubbard or Lee Morgan, his playing is
always energized and expressive. His efforts here do not disappoint and he does
very well in this genre/style of music.

There is also plenty of straight ahead jazz to sample on this CD (check out KD’s delicate delivery of “Lotus Flower”). I love the variety it offers. I recommend that you check out Afro-Cuban and get familiar with the
work of Kenny Dorham. If you want additional album suggestions please feel free
to email me. There are plenty to choose from.