Irving Sidney "Duke" Jordan (April 1, 1922 – August 8, 2006) was an American

jazz pianist Jazz piano is a collective term for the techniques pianists use when playing jazz. The piano has been an integral part of the jazz idiom since its inception, in both solo and ensemble settings. Its role is multifaceted due largely to the Musical ...

Biography

Jordan was born in New York and raised in

Brooklyn Brooklyn is a Boroughs of New York City, borough of New York City located at the westernmost end of Long Island in the New York (state), State of New York. Formerly an independent city, the borough is coextensive with Kings County, one of twelv ...

where he attended Boys High School. An imaginative and gifted pianist, Jordan was a regular member of

Charlie Parker Charles Parker Jr. (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955), nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird", was an American jazz Saxophone, saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. Parker was a highly influential soloist and leading figure in the development of beb ...

's quintet during 1947–48, which also featured

Miles Davis Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926September 28, 1991) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music, 20th-century music. Davis ado ...

. He participated in Parker's Dial sessions in late 1947 that produced "Dewey Square", "Bongo Bop", "Bird of Paradise", and the ballad "

Embraceable You "Embraceable You" is a jazz standard song with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. The song was written in 1928 for an unpublished operetta named ''East Is West''. It was published in 1930 and included in that year's Broadway mu ...

". These performances are featured on ''

Charlie Parker on Dial ''Charlie Parker on Dial: The Complete Sessions'' is a 1993 four-disc box set collecting jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker's 1940s recordings for Dial Records. The box set, released by the English label Spotlite Records, assembled ...

''. Jordan had a long solo career from the mid-1950s onwards, although for a period in the mid-1960s he drove a taxi in New York. After periods accompanying

Sonny Stitt Sonny Stitt (born Edward Hammond Boatner Jr.; February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982) was an American jazz saxophonist of the bebop/hard bop idiom. Known for his warm tone, he was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his era, recording over ...

and

Stan Getz Stan Getz (born Stanley Gayetski; February 2, 1927 – June 6, 1991) was an American jazz saxophonist. Playing primarily the tenor saxophone, Getz was known as "The Sound" because of his warm, lyrical tone, with his prime influence being the wis ...

, he performed and recorded in the trio format. His composition, "

Jordu "Jordu" is a jazz standard written by Irving "Duke" Jordan in 1953. This song was first made popular by Clifford Brown and Max Roach, but many other jazz musicians have performed or recorded renditions of it, including Stan Getz, Chet Baker, and C ...

", became a jazz standard when trumpeter

Clifford Brown Clifford Benjamin Brown (October 30, 1930 – June 26, 1956) was an American jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer. He died at the age of 25 in a car crash, leaving behind four years' worth of recordings. His compositions "Sandu", "Joy Sprin ...

adopted it into his repertoire. Another of his compositions, "No Problem", has been recorded several times, notably by Art Blakey, under the title "No Hay Problema", and

Chet Baker Chesney Henry "Chet" Baker Jr. (December 23, 1929 – May 13, 1988) was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist. He is known for major innovations in cool jazz that led him to be nicknamed the "Prince of Cool". Baker earned much attention and ...

as well as others. Beginning in 1978, he lived in

Copenhagen Copenhagen ( ) is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a population of 1.4 million in the Urban area of Copenhagen, urban area. The city is situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager, separated from Malmö, Sweden, by the ...

, Denmark, having recorded an extensive sequence of albums for the

SteepleChase SteepleChase Records is a jazz record company and label based in Copenhagen, Denmark. SteepleChase was founded in 1972 by Nils Winther, who was a student at Copenhagen University at the time. He began recording concerts at Jazzhus Montmartre, ...

label; his first record date for the company was in 1973. He was reported not to have changed his style over the course of his career. From 1952 to 1962, he was married to the jazz singer

Sheila Jordan Sheila Jordan (born Sheila Jeanette Dawson; November 18, 1928) is an American jazz singer and songwriter. She has recorded as a session musician with an array of critically acclaimed artists in addition to recording her own albums. Jordan pionee ...

. Their union produced a daughter, Tracey J. Jordan. He died in

Valby Valby () is one of the 10 official districts of Copenhagen Municipality, Denmark. It is in the southwestern corner of Copenhagen Municipality, and has a mixture of different types of housing. This includes apartment blocks, terraced housing, area ...

, Copenhagen.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

Compilations * ''When You're Smiling'' (Steeple Chase, 1996) – combined '' Time on My Hands'' (1988) and '' As Time Goes By'' (1989) plus ten bonus tracks * ''Double Duke'' (Steeple Chase, 1997) – combined ''

Change a Pace ''Change a Pace'' is an album led by pianist Duke Jordan recorded in 1979 in Denmark and released on the Danish SteepleChase label in 1980.Thinking of You'' (1982) plus five bonus tracks Source:

As sideman

With

Gene Ammons Eugene "Jug" Ammons (April 14, 1925 – August 6, 1974), also known as "The Boss", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. The son of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons, Gene Ammons is remembered for his accessible music, steeped in soul and R ...

* '' The Happy Blues'' (Prestige, 1956) * '' All Star Sessions'' (Prestige, 1956) – rec. 1950–1955 * ''Blues Up and Down, Vol. 1'' (Prestige, 1970) – rec. 1950 With

Eddie Bert Edward Joseph Bertolatus (May 16, 1922 – September 27, 2012), also known as Eddie Bert, was an American jazz trombonist. Music career He was born in Yonkers, New York, United States. Bert received a degree and a teaching license from the Manha ...

* ''Eddie Bert'' (

Discovery Discovery may refer to: * Discovery (observation), observing or finding something unknown * Discovery (fiction), a character's learning something unknown * Discovery (law), a process in courts of law relating to evidence Discovery, The Discovery ...

, 1952) 0"* ''Eddie Bert Quintet'' (Discovery, 1953) 0" With

Kenny Burrell Kenneth Earl Burrell (born July 31, 1931) is an American jazz guitarist known for his work on numerous top jazz labels: Prestige Records, Prestige, Blue Note, Verve Records, Verve, CTI Records, CTI, Muse Records, Muse, and Concord Records, Conco ...

* '' Blue Lights'' Vols. 1 & 2 (Blue Note, 1958) * '' Swingin''' (Blue Note (JP), 1980) – rec. 1958 only With

* ''Duke Ellington 25th Anniversary Concert'' (FDC (It) 1005) * ''Getz Age'' (Roost RLP 2258) * ''Hooray for Stan Getz'' (Session Disc 108) * ''Move!'' (Natasha Imports 4005) * ''Sweetie Pie'' (Philology (It) W 40-2) * ''

The Complete Roost Recordings ''The Complete Roost Recordings'' is a 1997 compilation 3-CD set of sessions led by saxophonist and bandleader Stan Getz recorded for the Roost Records label between 1950 and 1954. The compilation includes material previously released on Getz's ...

'' (Roost CDP 7243 8 59622-2) * ''

Stan Getz Plays ''Stan Getz Plays'' is an album by jazz saxophonist Stan Getz, recorded in 1952 released on the Norgran label in 1955. The album features tracks that were previously released on two 10-inch LPs on Clef Records (MGC 137 and MGC 143).

'' (Norgran, 1952) * ''Stan Getz Quartet'' (Queen Disc (It) Q 013) * ''Live at Carnegie Hall'' (Fresh Sound (Sp) FSCD 1003) * ''Live at the Hi-Hat 1953, Vol. 1'' (Fresh Sound (Sp) FSCD 1014) * ''Live at the Hi-Hat 1953, Vol. 2'' (Fresh Sound (Sp) FSCD 1015) * ''That Top Tenor Technician Stan Getz'' (Alto AL 704) With

Cecil Payne Cecil Payne (December 14, 1922 – November 27, 2007) was an American jazz baritone saxophonist born in Brooklyn, New York. Payne also played the alto saxophone and flute. He played with other prominent jazz musicians, in particular Dizzy Gilles ...

* ''

Patterns of Jazz A pattern is a regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. A geometric pattern is a kind of pattern formed of geometric shapes and typically repeated li ...

'' (Savoy, 1956) * ''Cecil Payne Quartet and Quintet'' (Signal, 1957) * ''Shaw 'Nuff'' (Charlie Parker, 1961) * ''Cecil Payne Performing Charlie Parker Music'' (Charlie Parker, 1961) * ''The Connection'' (Charlie Parker, 1962) * '' Bird Gets The Worm'' (Muse, 1976) With

* ''

Stitt's Bits ''Stitt's Bits'' is an album by saxophonist Sonny Stitt compiling tracks recorded in 1950 and released on the Prestige Records, Prestige label in 1958.

'' (Prestige, 1958) – rec. 1950 * ''

Sonny Stitt & the Top Brass ''Sonny Stitt & the Top Brass'' is an album by saxophonist Sonny Stitt recorded in 1962 and released on the Atlantic label.

'' (Atlantic, 1963) – rec. 1962 * '' The Champ'' (Muse, 1974) – rec. 1973 With

Barney Wilen Bernard "Barney" Jean Wilen (4 March 1937 – 25 May 1996) was a French jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist and composer. Biography Wilen was born in Nice, France; his father was an American dentist turned inventor, and his mother was French. His ...

* ''Un Témoin Dans La Ville'' (Fontana (FR), 1959) – soundtrack * ''Barney'' (RCA (FR), 1960) – live rec. 1959 With The Birdlanders * ''The Birdlanders, Vol. 1'' (Period, 1957) – rec. 1954 * ''The Birdlanders, Vol. 2'' (Period, 1957) – rec. 1954 * ''The Birdlanders, Vol. 3'' (Period, 1957) – rec. 1954 With others *

Ernestine Anderson Ernestine Anderson (November 11, 1928 – March 10, 2016) was an American jazz and blues singer. In a career spanning more than six decades, she recorded over 30 albums. She was nominated four times for a Grammy Award. She sang at Carnegie Hall, ...

, ''It's Time for Ernestine'' (Metronome (SE), 1958) *

, ''

No Problem ''No problem'' is an English expression, used as a response to '' thanks'' (among other functions). It is regarded by some as a less formal alternative to '' you're welcome'', which shares the same function. Informality In the culture of younger ...

'' (SteepleChase, 1980) – rec. 1979 *

Paul Bascomb Paul Bascomb ( – December 2, 1986) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, noted for his extended tenure with Erskine Hawkins. He is a 1979 inductee of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Career Bascomb was a founding member of the Bama St ...

, ''Bad Bascomb'' (Delmark, 1976) – rec. 1952 *

Art Blakey Arthur Blakey (October 11, 1919 – October 16, 1990) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He was also known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina after he converted to Islam for a short time in the late 1940s. Blakey made a name for himself in the 1 ...

, '' Les Liaisons Dangereuses 1960'' (Fontana, 1960) – rec. 1959. Original Soundtrack with

. *

Tina Brooks Harold Floyd "Tina" Brooks (June 7, 1932 – August 13, 1974) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and composer best remembered for his work in the hard bop style. Early years Harold Floyd Brooks was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and ...

, '' True Blue'' (Blue Note, 1960) * Joe Carroll, "Joe Carroll" (Charlie Parker, 1962) "*

Teddy Edwards Theodore Marcus "Teddy" Edwards (April 26, 1924 – April 20, 2003) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Biography Edwards was born in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. He learned to play at a very early age, first on alto saxophone ...

, ''

The Inimitable Teddy Edwards ''The Inimitable Teddy Edwards'' is an album by saxophonist Teddy Edwards recorded in 1976 and released on the Xanadu label.Rolf Ericson Rolf Ericson (August 29, 1922 – June 16, 1997) was a Swedish jazz trumpeter. He also played the flugelhorn. Yanow, Scott. Biography ''AllMusic'' Early career Ericson was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He moved to New York City in 1947 and, in 19 ...

, ''Rolf Ericson and his American All Stars'' (Metronome (SE) JMLP 2–105, EmArcy MG 36106) *

Art Farmer Arthur Stewart Farmer (August 21, 1928 – October 4, 1999) was an American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He also played flumpet, a trumpet–flugelhorn combination especially designed for him. He and his identical twin brother, doub ...

, ''

Art Farmer Quintet featuring Gigi Gryce ''Art Farmer Quintet featuring Gigi Gryce'' (also released as ''Evening in Casablanca'') is an album by trumpeter Art Farmer's Quintet featuring saxophonist Gigi Gryce. It was recorded in 1955 and released on the Prestige label.Gigi Gryce Gigi Gryce (born George General Grice Jr.; November 28, 1925 – March 17, 1983), later in life changing his name to Basheer Qusim, was an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator. While his performing ...

, '' Doin' the Gigi'' (Uptown, 2011) – compilation *

Coleman Hawkins Coleman Randolph Hawkins (November 21, 1904 – May 19, 1969), nicknamed "Hawk" and sometimes "Bean", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist.Yanow, Scot"Coleman Hawkins: Artist Biography" AllMusic. Retrieved December 27, 2013. One of the first ...

, '' Coleman Hawkins and His Orchestra'' (Crown, 1960) * Joe Holiday, ''Holiday for Jazz'' (Decca DL 8487) *

Howard McGhee Howard McGhee (March 6, 1918 – July 17, 1987) was one of the first American bebop jazz trumpeters, with Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro and Idrees Sulieman. He was known for his fast fingering and high notes. He had an influence on younger bebo ...

, ''

The Return of Howard McGhee ''The Return of Howard McGhee'' is an album by trumpeter Howard McGhee which was recorded in 1955 and released on the Bethlehem label.

'' (Bethlehem, 1956) – rec. 1955 * Charles McPherson, ''

Beautiful! ''Beautiful!'' is an album by Charles McPherson which was recorded in 1975 and released on the Xanadu label.Xa ...

'' (Xanadu 115) *

Barry Miles Barry Miles (born 21 February 1943) is an English author known for his participation in and writing on the subjects of the 1960s London underground and counterculture. He is the author of numerous books and his work has also regularly appeare ...

, ''Miles of Genius'' (Charlie Parker PLP 804) *

Sam Most Samuel Most (December 16, 1930 – June 13, 2013) was an American jazz flutist, clarinetist and tenor saxophonist, based in Los Angeles. He was "probably the first great jazz flutist", according to jazz historian Leonard Feather. Biography He wa ...

, ''Mostly Flute'' (Xanadu 133) *

, ''

Complete Charlie Parker on Dial ''Complete Charlie Parker on Dial'' is a 1996 box set release of jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker's 1946–47 recordings for Dial Records. The box set, released by Jazz Classics, features 89 songs, including alternate takes and notes ...

'', ''

'' (Jazz Classics, Spotlite) *

Oscar Pettiford Oscar Pettiford (September 30, 1922 – September 8, 1960) was an American jazz double bassist and composer. He was one of the earliest musicians to work in the bebop idiom. Jazz bassist Christian McBride called Pettiford "probably the most imp ...

, ''

'' (Bethlehem, 1954) *

Doug Raney Doug Raney (August 29, 1956 – May 1, 2016) was an American jazz guitarist. He was the son of jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney. Career Raney was born in New York City. He began to play the guitar when he was 14, beginning with rock and blues. He was ...

, ''

Introducing Doug Raney ''Introducing Doug Raney'' is the debut album by jazz guitarist Doug Raney recorded in 1977 and released on the Danish label, SteepleChase Records, SteepleChase.

'' (SteepleChase, 1978) – rec. 1977 *

Dizzy Reece Alphonso Son "Dizzy" Reece (born 5 January 1931) is a Jamaican-born jazz trumpeter. Reece emerged within London's burgeoning bebop jazz scene during the 1950s and went on to become a leading proponent of hard bop jazz in New York City. He l ...

, ''

Comin' On! ''Comin' On!'' is an album by Jamaican-born jazz trumpeter Dizzy Reece, featuring performances recorded at two sessions in 1960, but not released on the Blue Note label until 1999.

'' (Blue Note, 1999) – rec. 1960 * Louis Smith, ''

Here Comes Louis Smith ''Here Comes Louis Smith'' is the debut album by American trumpeter Louis Smith (musician), Louis Smith recorded on February 4 & 9, 1958 for Transition Records, Transition, but the company went out of business before release; the album masters wer ...

'' (Blue Note, 1958) *

Clark Terry Clark Virgil Terry Jr. (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015) was an American Swing music, swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, and a composer and educator. He played with Charlie Barnet (1947), Count Basie (1948� ...

, ''Live at the Wichita Jazz Festival'' (Vanguard 1974, VSD 79355) *

Doug Watkins Douglas Watkins (March 2, 1934 – February 5, 1962) was an American jazz double bassist. He was best known for being an accompanist to various hard bop artists in the Detroit area, including Donald Byrd and Jackie McLean. Biography Watkins ...

, ''Watkins at Large'' (Transition TRLP 20) *

Julius Watkins Julius Watkins (October 10, 1921 – April 4, 1977) was an American jazz musician who played French horn. Described by AllMusic as "virtually the father of the jazz French horn", Watkins won the ''Down Beat'' critics poll in 1960 and 1961 for Mis ...

, '' Julius Watkins Sextet'' (Blue Note, 1995) – rec. 1954–1955 * Teddy Williams, ''Touch of the Blues'' c/w ''Dumb Woman Blues'' (Prestige 715) Various Artists * '' Birds Night: A Night at the Five Spot'' (Signal S 1204) Savoy (1958) (Savoy Jazz 2 LPs Celebration of Music of Charlie Parker) * ''International Jam Sessions'' (Xanadu 122) * ''Lestorian Mode'' (Savoy MG 12105) * ''The Piano Players'' (Xanadu 171) * ''Birdology vols. 1&2'' (Birdology, Verve 1990 CDs)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jordan, Duke 1922 births 2006 deaths American jazz pianists American male jazz pianists Bebop pianists Hard bop pianists Savoy Records artists SteepleChase Records artists Xanadu Records artists Prestige Records artists Blue Note Records artists 20th-century American pianists American male jazz composers 20th-century American male musicians 20th-century American jazz composers American expatriates in Denmark