Amazon reviewer:
“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. 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.

Allmusic.com:
A fine bop-oriented trumpeter, Joe Gordon*s tragic death in a fire cut short any chance he had at fame in the jazz world. He became a professional in 1947 and had stints with Georgie Auld, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker (on an occasional basis during 1953-1955), Art Blakey (1954), and Don Redman. Gordon was with Dizzy Gillespie*s 1956 big band, touring the Mideast, and getting a solo on “Night in Tunisia.” He was in the Horace Silver quintet, moved back to Boston for a period, and then relocated to Los Angeles where he worked and recorded with Barney Kessel, Benny Carter, Harold Land, Shelly Manne, Dexter Gordon, and Shelly Manne (1958 -1960). Joe Gordon, who led dates for EmArcy (1955) and Contemporary (1961), was on one Thelonious Monk recording and spent his last few years as a freelance musician.

Joe Gordon did not live long, only making it to 35. His second of two recordings as a leader (originally released by Contemporary) finds him on the verge of leading his own group. Gordon wrote all eight of the selections and is joined by adventurous but obscure altoist Jimmy Woods, pianist Dick Whittington, bassist Jimmy Bond, and drummer Milt Turner. Although the solos are generally more memorable than the tunes, this is an excellent effort that hints at what might have been had Joe Gordon lived.

Personnel:
Joe Gordon (trumpet)
Jimmy Woods (alto sax)
Dick Whittington (piano)
Jimmy Bond (bass)
Milt Turner (drums)

Recorded at Contemporary Records, Los Angeles on 11, 12 and 18 July, 1961.

Tracks:
1. Terra Firma Irma - 7:42 (Joe Gordon)
2. A Song For Richard - 5:02 (Joe Gordon)
3. Non-Viennese Waltz Blues - 4:20 (Joe Gordon)
4. You*re The Only Girl In The Next World For Me - 4:30 (Joe Gordon)
5. Co-Op Blues - 5:55 (Joe Gordon)
6. Mariana - 4:09 (Joe Gordon)
7. Heleen - 4:00 (Joe Gordon)
8. Diminishing - 5:40 (Joe Gordon)

Password: http://www.8888ddl.com (sometime password is wrong).
Mirror Links: