Ray Noble's "Cherokee" has been a proving ground for jazz virtuosos since Charlie Parker's legendary explorations of its challenging harmony, and Wycliffe Gordon's version on his 2001 album Standards Only demonstrates that the trombone can navigate this demanding material with equal authority. The AABA form with its sixty-four-bar structure is taken at a blazing tempo, and Gordon delivers two choruses of trombone that showcase his extraordinary command of the instrument at high speeds. His facility in the upper register, clarity of articulation, and ability to construct coherent melodic statements at this tempo are remarkable achievements for any trombonist. Herlin Riley follows with two choruses of drums, his solo reflecting the New Orleans rhythmic sophistication that he brings to every performance, with polyrhythmic layering and dynamic control that maintain musical interest throughout. Gordon then returns for an additional one and a half choruses, the extended solo format reflecting the competitive spirit that "Cherokee" has always inspired. The tune's bridge, with its rapid modulations through remote keys, presents particular challenges for trombone players due to the instrument's slide mechanism, and Gordon's navigation of these passages is a testament to his technical mastery. This performance stands as one of the finest trombone readings of "Cherokee" on record, affirming Gordon's status as a virtuoso of the first order.
