There are few saxophonists who were able to hold their own against the late great Eric Dolphy. Clifford Jordan is one of them. As a member of the Charles Mingus sextet on his legendary 1964 European tour with Eric Dolphy, Jordan is featured on iconic albums such as The Great Concert of Charles Mingus and Town Hall Concert. Born in 1931, the tenor saxophonist was a giant of the hard bop genre, with an adaptable style that could match the earthsy avant-blues of Mingus, or soar into space alongside Dolphy. Originally released in 1974 and recorded the year prior, Glass Bead Games was the fifth and final installment in Strata-East's Dolphy series, and undoubtedly one of the fantastic series' highlights. The recording features two different quartets, with only Billy Higgins (ds.) and Jordan (ts.) appearing on all tracks; Cedar Walton and Stanley Cowell take turns on piano, while Sam Jones and Bill Lee (father of Spike!) take turns on bass. Across 12 tracks and two sides, Clifford Jordan's two quartets are consistent, with some of the tightest grooves and most spiritual playing of the 70's being recorded during these two sessions. Album opener "Powerful Paul Robeson" is an homage to the legendary singer and activist, and is the kind of spiritual jazz that immediately sends chills down your spine. It opens with atmospheric piano rolls and percussion, over which Jordan's free improvisations take on an almost devotional sound. Homages to great jazz men are frequent throughout, with half of the tracks being named after musicians, including the Lee penned "John Coltrane". The song opens with a bass solo from Lee, before the quartet settles into a steady mid-tempo groove. Jordan plays the angular melody alone, and with every refrain, the melody takes on a haunting quality, until it descends into a subdued bass solo. The chant-like choral refrain that follows, laid gently over a repetitive bassline and delicate percussion is hypnotic, and as Jordan picks up the melody once more, you'll feel as though this is somehow different. Glass Bead Games is undoubtedly one of the finest spiritual jazz recordings to come out of the 70s, and is one that you absolutely must not miss! We are proud to be reissuing Clifford Jordan's Glass Bead Games, available on limited edition vinyl with an obi-strip, only from P-VINE RECORDS.
Release date:
October 6, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Waylon Jennings Songbird
Son of Jessi
October 3, 2025 -
Jeff Tweedy Twilight Override [3xLP]
Dbpm Records
September 26, 2025 -
Mareux Nonstop Romance
Warner Records
August 1, 2025 -
Ada Lea when i paint my masterpiece (Ice Ice Baby Blue)
Saddle Creek
August 8, 2025 -
Double Wish Double Wish (Blue)
Hit the North
August 21, 2025 -
Steve Gunn Music For Writers (Opaque Orange)
Three Lobed Recordings
August 15, 2025 -
Solence Angels Calling (Red)
Better Noise Music
October 3, 2025 -
Sydney Minsky Sargeant Lunga [2xLP]
Domino Record Co
September 12, 2025 -
Water From Your Eyes It's A Beautiful Place
Matador
August 22, 2025 -
Cochemea Vol III: Ancestros Futuros
Daptone Records
September 26, 2025 -
Rawayana Bomba Estereo & ASTROPICAL ASTROPICAL
Sony U.s. Latin
August 1, 2025 -
Robert Plant Saving Grace
Nonesuch
September 26, 2025 -
Carlos Niño Saul Williams & Friends Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends at Treepeople [2xLP]
International Anthem Recording Co
September 19, 2025 -
Dinosaur Pile-Up I'Ve Felt Better (Yellow Flame Marble)
Mascot
August 22, 2025