CiTR

Trumpeter, Kenny Dorham was called "the uncrowned king" by drummer Art Blakey and it was indeed true. Kenny was a musician's musician and always seemed overshadowed by others. In the 40's it was Dizzy, Miles and Fats Navarro from his generation and in the 50's it was Chet Baker and Clifford Brown who got the critical acclaim and in the 60's the attention was upon Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard. It was Kenny Dorham's lot to always be an also-ran. Musicians knew his value and immense talent but the critical fraternity overlooked Dorham. He was a nice man who put music first and was ego free and modest. Perhaps this was the reason for his position in the Jazz life. Dorham was not only and talented trumpeter but played fine piano and sang and was a fine composer. It was only after his passing in December of 1972 that his value began to be recognized.......a sad story in the Jazz world.
The Feature is one of Dorham's great recordings and rather than record one of the bands he was leading at the time, Kenny picked an all-star group of his favourite players including tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, who suffered some of the same treatment as Dorham by the critical establishment. Kenny Drew is on piano, Paul Chambers is on bass and the great drummer, Philly Joe Jones drives the band with taste and swing. The album was recorded by Blue Note in January 1961 and not only has great playing by all concerned but displays seven very interesting compositions by Kenny, showing his knack for writing. "Whistle Stop" is a classic and stands at the top of choice recordings by this gifted musician.