This long-lost 1974 recording from the late Chicago tenor sax master is finally available. Originally recorded for the Strata-East label, Drink Plenty Water is Clifford's only primarily vocal recording release, with inventive arrangements courtesy of bassist Bill Lee. Joining Jordan are Dick Griffin on trombone, Bill Hardman on trumpet, Charlie Rouse on bass clarinet, Strata East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Billy Higgins on drums, Bernard Fennell on cello, and Lee and Sam Jones on bass.
Her late husband's passion project, Sandy Jordan spearheaded the effort to release Drink Plenty Water. Jordan’s daughter, Donna Jordan Harris sings lead vocals on several tracks, backed by remaining members of the ensemble. The vocal arrangements bring an unexpected new take to the compositions “Witch Doctor’s Chant (Ee-Bah-Lickey-Doo)” and “I’ve Got a Feeling for You” that first appeared on Clifford Jordan’s 1968 album Soul Fountain. The vocal arrangement for “The Highest Mountain” on Drink Plenty Water makes it the most unique treatment of one of his finest compositions.
Additional tracks include “My Papa’s Coming Home,” a rhythm changes vamp with what trombonist Griffin describes as a “stunning” solo from the leader, and “Drink Plenty Water and Walk Slow,” a short track featuring Fennell and Jordan under a spoken word story from actor David Smyrl. Other highlights of the 35-minute-long recording are the two tracks titled “Talking Blues” – a spoken-word story from Smyrl about a hustler living the fast life, followed by the instrumental track that reveals great interplay between Jordan, Hardman, Fennell and Griffin.
TRACK LISTING
1. The Highest Mountain
2. Witch Doctor's Chant (Ee-Bah-Lickey-Doo)
3. Drink Plenty Water and Walk Slow
4. I've Got a Feeling For You
5. My Papa's Coming Home
6. Talking Blues
7. Talking Blues (instrumental)
TT: 36:18
