Search - Dexter Gordon :: Jazz at Highschool

Nice Dex-Live and loose

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 01/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Must admit I thought Dex's BN Lp's were good,well great,but not as great as others thought.I dug his early work like his LP with Carl Perkins on Dootone "Blows Hot And Cool" or Bethlehem's "Daddy Plays The Horn" which was more like his late 40's work and didn't have the Alfred Lion stamp.But when I pull out "Go" or "Getting Around" on BN I groove.yet Dex had many phases of his playing.A dope bust layoff n 50's,BN,Europe,and a triumphant return and of course his incredible Lester Young and Bud Powell composite character that he one an Academy Award nomination for in "Round Midnight".Long Tall Dexter was one of jazz's storied careers.This Lp on the great Stroyville labels teams his with a crack unit of Kenny Drew,NHOP,and "Tootie" Heath.selections include:

1)Soy Califas

2) The Shadow Of Your Smile

3) Society Red

4) For All We Know

5) The Blues Up And Down

As you might expect from few numbers these are log cuts and lot's of space is given to all.But between lesser known "Soy Califas" to standards standard "Shadow Of Your Smile" it's a swinging affair.You feel like with Gordon you are always getting a history lesson (in best sense) when he plays and given who he played with an how long he went without giving up his foundation only building it you are getting one.A good pick even if you just download it.

Peace

Chazz"