Dead End – Kenny Dorham
This early Kenny Dorham composition shows his bebop roots. He played it with Charlie Parker in the '40s but it wasn't recorded until Red Rodney's version in 1979.
- Recording: Red Rodney - The 3 R's
- Recorded on: March 13-14, 1979
- Label: Muse (MR5290)
- Concert Key: E-flat
- Style: Swing (medium up)
- Trumpet - Red Rodney
- Alto Sax - Richie Cole
- Tenor Sax - Turk Mauro
- Piano - Roland Hanna
- Bass - George Duvivier
- Drums - Grady Tate
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Kenny Dorham's mastery of bebop is evident in this early composition. Though it uses "rhythm changes" for the A sections, the bridge is unique. As in many later songs by Dorham, the bridge contrasts with the A section melodically as well as harmonically. The A section melody is busier in a bebop vein, while the bridge has a more lyrical melody. The changes here visit a descending series of keys: A♭, G♭ and F major; the melody in these 2-measure phrases is almost the same in the respective keys but with subtle, tasty differences. On both the G♭ and F major chords, the melody resolves from the sharp fourth to the fifth, a technique Dorham would use in several later compositions.
Though the rhythm section plays with a 4-feel on this recording, a 2-feel or loose half-time feel would also be effective for the bridge.
Though the rhythm section plays with a 4-feel on this recording, a 2-feel or loose half-time feel would also be effective for the bridge.
Don Sickler: I remember first seeing Dead End mentioned years ago in Ira Gitler's book "Jazz Masters of the '40s," now also available as "The Masters Of Bebop." It's always been a very important reference book for me; I used to pack it in my bag and carry it everywhere.
Here's what caught my attention: "With Eckstine he [Kenny Dorham] did a catchy bop theme entitled Dead End. Later, in 1948-1949, when Dorham was with Charlie Parker, Bird featured it quite regularly."
I thought, wow, I've got to find this song. It can't be that hard to find! Well, it was. I searched discographies: nothing. I talked to other sidemen who were with Bird when Kenny was in his band: nobody remembered it. Then I tried the only avenue left I could think of, trumpeter Red Rodney. I knew Red was the trumpet player with Bird right after Kenny, and I had read that Red always tried to hear Bird whenever he could. Therefore he must have heard Bird play Dead End! When I found Red and asked him, he said, "Of course, I heard them play Dead End quite a few times. Do you want me to play it for you?" With the help and further recollections of Gerry LaFurn, Red's friend and another good trumpet player, who had also heard Bird and K.D. play it, they got together and Gerry wrote out a lead sheet for me. When I told Red that it had never been recorded, he recorded it on his "The 3 R's" album.
Here's what caught my attention: "With Eckstine he [Kenny Dorham] did a catchy bop theme entitled Dead End. Later, in 1948-1949, when Dorham was with Charlie Parker, Bird featured it quite regularly."
I thought, wow, I've got to find this song. It can't be that hard to find! Well, it was. I searched discographies: nothing. I talked to other sidemen who were with Bird when Kenny was in his band: nobody remembered it. Then I tried the only avenue left I could think of, trumpeter Red Rodney. I knew Red was the trumpet player with Bird right after Kenny, and I had read that Red always tried to hear Bird whenever he could. Therefore he must have heard Bird play Dead End! When I found Red and asked him, he said, "Of course, I heard them play Dead End quite a few times. Do you want me to play it for you?" With the help and further recollections of Gerry LaFurn, Red's friend and another good trumpet player, who had also heard Bird and K.D. play it, they got together and Gerry wrote out a lead sheet for me. When I told Red that it had never been recorded, he recorded it on his "The 3 R's" album.
Kenny Dorham
August 30, 1924 – December 15, 1972
August 30, 2025, is Kenny Dorham's 101st birthday: jazzleadsheets.com has added many new K.D. compositions. Jazz At Lincoln Center has dedicated three late-night sets to Kenny's music, played with love by young musicians who want his music to live on. Join in, play K.D. music! Read more...