Lookin Good

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• Michael B. Richman

  October 12, 2013
  1:05 am

  8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

  
  “Lookin’ Good” for the Last Time, July 29, 2003

  By 

  Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) –
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    

  This review is from: Lookin Good (Audio CD)

  “Lookin’ Good” was the final recording made by brilliant, underrated trumpeter Joe Gordon, best known for his brief stint as a Jazz Messenger and for his immeasurable contribution to the magnificent Shelly Manne “At The Blackhawk” discs (see my reviews of Volumes 2-5). This session, originally recorded in July 1961 for the Contemporary label, features the talents of Jimmy Woods on alto sax, Dick Whittington on piano (both making their recording debuts), Jimmy Bond on bass and Milt Turner on drums. Aside from the excellent playing, this album is significant for showcasing Gordon’s surprisingly original compositions (all eight of the tracks were penned by the trumpeter). In my opinion, Gordon’s playing and writing talents put him in the same company as another under-recognized trumpeter who died tragically young, Booker Little. One final note, if you are interested in “Lookin’ Good” act quickly, this CD is a limited edition.

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• jazz lover since 1960

  October 12, 2013
  2:02 am

  7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

  
  Both Joe Gordon and Jimmy Woods are Deserving of Wider Recognition, July 12, 2010

  By 

  jazz lover since 1960 (Tampa, Fl. and Franklin, NC) –

  This review is from: Lookin Good (Audio CD)

  I strongly second the previous 5 star review. Joe Gordon is one of the treasures of jazz trumpet. He is one of the many (Clifford Brown, Booker Little, Woody Shaw(see my reviews of Woody) who have died too young. Is there something about the personality of trumpet players that cause them to pass too soon?
  The main reason why I am writing this review is to bring your attention to the alto sax phenomenon on this recording, Jimmy Woods. Jimmy recorded very little and very briefly in this period of the sixties. Please google his name to find his 2 superb recordings for the Contemporary label: “Awakening” and “Conflict.” “Conflict” is in my list of the top ten jazz recordings of all time.
  I googled his name a couple of years ago, and apparently, he was still alive and playing on the West Coast. I hope he is still with us now.
  Apparently he retired from the music business a few years after this recording because he was not able to earn a living doing what he loved. He may have pursued a career in areas related to social work.
  He carved out a unique sound on the alto sax. This is not easy to do. There are so many Bird imitators. His playing style goes beyond Charlie Parker and is so emotionally explosive and expressive. So are his compositions.
  I have seldom heard anyone so bursting with feeling. He swings in the hard bop idiom. If you love modern jazz as I do, get this recording, and the recordings of Jimmy Woods.

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