Jazz-Classic – Kenny Dorham

Kenny Dorham's signature melodic lyricism is on display in Jazz-Classic, a charming miniature with almost a classical or baroque sound. The 32-measure head is divided into 16-measure A and B sections, which start the same but go in different directions after the first six measures. Harmonically, Jazz-Classic tells a complete story; mostly diatonic with each section beginning on F minor with a "walk down" leading to A♭ major, plus a little modulation to B major toward the end of A. Solos are on an unusual, truncated version of the head form: two sections similar to A and B, but only 14 measures each going cyclically into the next section or chorus.

About the arrangement: The two horns begin unison with a little harmony, but go into some baroque-esque counterpoint at B. On the head, the bass line is nearly through-composed—especially important in the chordless quartet setting on the recording. The bass plays whole and half notes on A and quarter notes on B, but only for the middle of B is the bass truly walking; this is the only part of the head with chord symbols shown. The drums are really playing the same as the bass: cymbal half notes on A, going to quarter notes on B.

This song is really written for a chordless lineup. Besides first and second horn parts we have a 2-staff Condensed Score, with horns on the top staff and bass on the bottom staff; this is also the rhythm section part.