One of the most distinctive saxophonists to emerge during the late 1950's, while Clifford Jordan did not achieve the mass adulation enjoyed by Gerry Mulligan or Roland Kirk, his work remains just as influential, esteemed and unique. Indeed, whereas many of his contemporaries favoured rough attacks and a hard-boiled fervour, Jordan instead perfected a light, floating approach. A typical Cliff Jordan solo used juxtaposition: a low note might break up a be-bop line, or an upper-register squeal would punctuate an evolving panorama of ideas. And Jordan was one of the few modern tenor saxophonists to use Lester Young as an inspiration, while his playing was always extraordinarily musical, never relying on second hand ideas. This four CD set features Cliff Jordan's first eight albums as leader or co-leader, recorded and released between 1957 and 1962 - the years generally accepted as the great man's golden age. Containing a masterful array of unique and individualistic jazz music, and featuring some of the world's finest musicians backing the maestro, the compilation works both as a fine introduction to Clifford Jordan's extraordinary music and as the go-to collection for those ready conversant.

This was the first appearance of the popular Clifford Jordan & The Magic Triangle (alias The Cedar Walton Trio) on SteepleChase. (Other releases are SCCD 31047 “Highest Mountain” and SCCD 31104 “On Stage vol. 3”.) “...a truly fine quartet recording.” (MM)

“Clifford Jordan and The Magic Triangle toured in Europe in March-April 1975. I heard the group live and remember I was very impressed…With the quartet’s potential possibilities I cannot wait to see the release of the next volume…” (J.O – Orkester Journal 1978) “On Stage vol. 1 and its sequel embody the same group feelings and superb solo presentations by Jordan and Walton. They are the characteristic examples of this highly elaborated Be-bop music.” (Jørgen Siegumfeldt – Information 1978)