Rodney Jordan, born and raised in Memphis, the “Home of the Blues,” channels his city’s heritage on Memphis Blue, a deeply personal tribute to the soulful people of Memphis, set for release March 14th via Baxter Music Enterprises. Now residing in Tallahassee, Florida, Jordan is joined by fellow Memphian trumpeter Melvin Jones, along with top-tier collaborators: Louis Heriveaux on piano (Atlanta), Mark Sterbank on saxophone (Charleston), and Quentin E. Baxter on drums (Charleston).
The album includes original compositions by Jordan and Jones, as well as classic standards by Gigi Gryce, Johnny Mercer, and Mulgrew Miller. It captures the flavor and essence of the blues in a fresh and powerful way.
“Memphis Blue isn’t your typical blues album, but if you listen carefully, you’ll find the blues thread woven through every track,” says Jordan. “The optimism we bring to the music embodies the spirit of the blues.”
Jordan’s original compositions offer deep, emotional reflections: Melvin Jones’s “The Storm Will Pass” carries a hopeful mood, while Jordan’s own “Escapatoria” evokes sweetness and yearning. His track “The Art of Blakey” is a soulful celebration. These pieces convey the raw power of the blues, enhanced by a haunting rendition of “Autumn Leaves” that transforms the standard with a Bessie Smith or Robert Johnson-style, deconstructive arrangement.
The album also includes Mulgrew Miller’s “Small Portion,” a composition that infuses Miller’s blues and soul influence, and Gigi Gryce’s “Minority,” which provides ample room for the musicians to express their unique takes on the song.
The essence of Memphis blues, rooted in community, honesty, and plainspoken messages, shines through in this album. Jordan reflects, “We play without pretense. It’s always about the group, and the chemistry between us is something special. This album is a salute to Memphis.”
Jordan’s musical journey began in Memphis, where he played bass in church, participated in the Memphis Youth Symphony, and studied under legendary educators Charles Harris and Emerson Able. He later honed his craft while studying at Jackson State University in Mississippi, where he also became assistant principal bassist for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Jordan’s diverse education—blending classical music with the experimental spirit of jazz—helped shape his distinctive sound. He later became an educator, leading the string program at Dougherty County (Georgia) Public Schools and playing bass with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. His jazz career blossomed as a freelance bassist in Atlanta.
In 2001, Jordan moved to Tallahassee to join Florida State University’s Jazz Studies program as Professor of Jazz Bass and Coordinator of Jazz and Commercial Music. He became a member of the Marcus Roberts Trio, performing with drummer Jason Marsalis for over 15 years. Jordan also tours regularly with vocalist Rene Marie.
A composer in his own right, Jordan’s most recent work includes The Medgar Evers Suite, a 2024 commission. His debut album, Playing Jazz, was released in 2017, and Memphis Blue marks his second project as a bandleader.
No comments:
Post a Comment