Trumpeter Kenny Dorham's 'Una Mas' was one of the best records of 1963. With its melding of hard-bop, bossa nova, and the blues, Una Mas is a prime example of the memorable vamps that Blue Note favored at the time.
With Una Mas, Dorham takes a few risks. Not every jazz musician that tries to infuse Latin rhythms is successful, and in retrospect, some efforts sound contrived. By contrast, Una Mas manages the fusion seamlessly, leaving a record notable for its insistent but not overpowering rhythm, and simple, powerful melodies. Una Mas is also notable as the first recorded appearance of the great tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson.
The catchy and suave title track is one of the most recognizable tunes in the Blue Note catalog, built on brilliant economy and using a simple two-note bounce with a tight, blue chorus. Herbie Hancock contributes a particularly sophisticated handling of the two-note theme by modifying the chords almost continuously, even as he remains tightly within the rhythmic framework. The lineup, rounded out by bassist Butch Warren and drummer Tony Williams (only 17 at the time) is as tight and swinging as they come.
A classic and essential recording. Una Mas is an excellent groover.


Kenny Dorham

Una Más (One More Time)

1963

Blue Note / RVG 1999




CD / 1999 / Remastered / 320Kbps


Track Listing:

1. Una Mas

2. Straight Ahead

3. Sao Paolo

4. If Ever I Would Leave You


Personnel:

Kenny Dorham, trumpet

Joe Henderson, tenor saxophone

Herbie Hancock, piano

Butch Warren, bass

Tony Williams, drums


Recorded on April 1, 1963 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Originally issued as BLP 4127 and BST 84127
Track 4 was not part of the original album


Here's another one by Kenny >>>>>