Dexter Gordon was one of the first tenor saxophonists to embrace the new bebop jazz idiom being developed by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Bud Powell during the mid-1940s, and went on to enjoy a career which eventually encompassed four decades. His musical philosophy was that he played to entertain and communicate with his audience, and with his imposing 6' 6" stature and jocular stage presence, allied to his big sound, he was a highly distinctive performer. He was a major force in the development of modern saxophone style, building on the influences of Lester Young to become himself an influence on the likes of Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. This collection focuses on the first decade or so of his recording career, from his 1941 recording debut with The Lionel Hampton Orchestra and sessions with The Billy Eckstine Orchestra and Dizzy Gillespie, then incarnations of his own small groups, most notably his legendary tenor sax 'duels' with Wardell Gray in the late '40s and early '50s through to 1952, when his career was interrupted for a few years by brushes with the law over his drug use. It includes several of the marvellously exciting extended 'live' performances with Gray, which along with the studio recordings provide an entertaining insight into his artistry
6 Takin' Off (Sir Charles & His All Stars) - Sir Charles and His All Stars
7 The Street Beat (Sir Charles & His All Stars) - Sir Charles and His All Stars
8 Blow Mr. Dexter (Dexter Gordon's All Stars) - Dexter Gordon's All Stars
9 Dexter's Deck (Dexter Gordon's All Stars) - Dexter Gordon's All Stars
10 Dexter Cuttin Out (Dexter Gordon's All Stars) - Dexter Gordon's All Stars
11 Dexter's Minor Mad (Dexter Gordon's All Stars) - Dexter Gordon's All Stars
12 Long Tall Dexter (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
13 Dexter Rides Again (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
14 Dexter Digs in (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
15 I Can't Escape from You (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
16 Jump Call (Benny Carter & His Orchestra) - Benny Carter and His Orchestra
17 Mischievous Lady (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
18 Lullaby in Rhythm (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
19 The Chase (Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray) - Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray
20 It's the Talk of the Town (Dexter Gordon Quartet) - Dexter Gordon Quartet
21 Bikini (Dexter Gordon Quartet) - Dexter Gordon Quartet
- Disc 2 -
1 Byas a Drink (Part 2)
2 The Hunt Pt. 2 (The Bopland Boys) - the Bopland Boys
3 A Ghost of a Chance (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
4 Hornin' in (Dexter Gordon Quintet) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
5 Settin' the Pace (Dexter Gordon Quintette) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
6 So Easy (Dexter Gordon Quintette) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
7 Dexter's Riff (Dexter Gordon Quintette) - Dexter Gordon Quintet
8 Lion Roars (Leo Parker's All Stars) - Leo Parker's All Stars
9 Dextrose (Dexter Gordon and His Boys) - Dexter Gordon and His Boys
10 Dexter's Mood (Dexter Gordon and His Boys) - Dexter Gordon and His Boys
11 Dextivity (Dexter Gordon and His Boys) - Dexter Gordon and His Boys
12 Jazz on Sunset (The Move)
13 The Steeplechase (Wardell Gray & Dexter Gordon) - Wardell Gray and Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordon was one of the first tenor saxophonists to embrace the new bebop jazz idiom being developed by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Bud Powell during the mid-1940s, and went on to enjoy a career which eventually encompassed four decades. His musical philosophy was that he played to entertain and communicate with his audience, and with his imposing 6' 6" stature and jocular stage presence, allied to his big sound, he was a highly distinctive performer. He was a major force in the development of modern saxophone style, building on the influences of Lester Young to become himself an influence on the likes of Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. This collection focuses on the first decade or so of his recording career, from his 1941 recording debut with The Lionel Hampton Orchestra and sessions with The Billy Eckstine Orchestra and Dizzy Gillespie, then incarnations of his own small groups, most notably his legendary tenor sax 'duels' with Wardell Gray in the late '40s and early '50s through to 1952, when his career was interrupted for a few years by brushes with the law over his drug use. It includes several of the marvellously exciting extended 'live' performances with Gray, which along with the studio recordings provide an entertaining insight into his artistry
