Duke Jordan
Piano Solo on
Dexterity

About

Duke Jordan's piano solo is the 3rd of 4 on this recording, spanning three-quarters of the form at approximately 217 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of B♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. The tune borrows its harmonic structure from "I Got Rhythm," a set of changes that generations of improvisers have used as a testing ground for new ideas. Positioned between Miles Davis and Max Roach, Jordan bridges the conversation between the two. This October 1947 Savoy session marks the debut of Parker's classic quintet with Davis, Jordan, Tommy Potter on bass, and Roach on drums, a configuration that would produce some of the most important recordings in jazz. Duke plays over the A and B sections before turning it over to Max Roach.

Duke Jordan was 24 to 25 years old at the time.