ProJazz.net

Blue Spring is a 1959 album by jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham and saxophonist Cannonball Adderley released on the Riverside label, featuring performances by Dorham and Adderley with Dave Amram, Cecil Payne, Cedar Walton, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones or Jimmy Cobb.

“In lieu of picking up one of the trumpeter’s fine Blue Note releases (Una Mas, Whistle Stop), listeners new to the work of Kenny Dorham should definitely consider this somewhat overlooked Riverside date from 1959. The set features plenty of Dorham’s varied and sophisticated horn work and four of his top-drawer originals. The theme is spring, and Dorham responds with his soon to be jazz standard “Spring Is Here” and three other fine seasonal tributes: the title track, “Poetic Spring,” and “Spring Cannon.” This last cut is also a tribute to Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, who guests in fine style here with a bevy of fleet and highly melodic solos. Rounding out the group, baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne, French horn player David Amram, and pianist Cedar Walton add very nicely to the album’s breezy yet provocative air. Essential listening for Dorham fans.” – Stephen Cook/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“Blue Spring” (Kenny Dorham) – 7:42
“It Might as Well Be Spring” (Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers) – 7:42
“Poetic Spring” (Kenny Dorham) – 6:47
“Spring Is Here” (Lorenz Hart, Rodgers) – 6:39
“Spring Cannon” (Kenny Dorham) – 4:53
“Passion Spring” (Kenny Dorham) – 8:30

Personnel:
Kenny Dorham – trumpet
Cannonball Adderley – alto saxophone
David Amram – French horn
Cecil Payne – baritone saxophone
Cedar Walton – piano
Paul Chambers – bass
Jimmy Cobb – drums (tracks 1-4)
Philly Joe Jones – drums (5-6)

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Released: June 1959
Recorded: January 20 (#5-6) & February 18 (#1-4), 1959
Length: 42:13
Label: Riverside
Producer: Orrin Keepnews