DEXTER GORDON QUARTET - Willisau 1978: Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series 45
TCB The Montreaux Jazz Label TCB 02452
Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophone); George Cables (piano); Rufus Reid (double bass); Eddie Gladden (drums)
Recorded Willisau, March 4th, 1978
Released by TCB The Montreux Jazz Label, this is volume 45 in a series that has thus far made available concert performances from the Max Roach Quintet, Sonny Rollins, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Buck Clayton, and Coleman Hawkins among others, as part of their Swiss Radio Days series and now offers this as this live recording of Dexter Gordon.
In a career that was blighted in the 1950s and 60s with personal problems and spells in prison, Dexter, unlike some of his contemporaries, shall be remembered firstly and foremost for the sheer quality of his music rather than any misdemeanours. If there is a bad Dexter Gordon album, I am yet to hear it, and this album delivers the goods in fine style too. Europe was a place that the tenorist felt comfortable and at home. Indeed, after recording classic albums such as Doin' Alright, Dexter Calling and Go. He took off for a few dates in Europe that lasted 14 years. During this period, he would spend much time in Denmark and sign with the Danish imprint steeplechase for whom he recorded extensively, many of which would be live recordings from Copenhagen's Montmarte club.
Although by the time of this recording he was resident back in the US, Gordon was still a frequent visitor to the continent he loved so much, and whose people loved him. Dexter was always assured of a warm welcome and reciprocated with some stellar performances, and that makes this issue a most welcome addition. The repertoire may be familiar, but never sounds stale as Dexter pours out chorus after chorus that take on a life of their own. Ably assisted by George Cables, Rufus Reid and Eddie Gladden he is out of the starting blocks with an exhilarating take 'On Green Dolphin Street'. 'The Jumpin' Blues composed by JayMcShann and Charlie Parker gets a ferocious workout with Dexter hardly able to wait to get into his solo. This is an inspired performance with the rhythm section driving hard as Dexter spits out notes at a rate of knots, yet also perfectly logical and structured into a solo that explores melodic invention, and the magnificent build up of tension with the use of long and intervallic leaps. Pianist, George Cables is no less inspired in his solo and maintains the momentum created by Gordon. So great is the frenetic pace and excitement generated this medium fast tempo of 'Hi-Fly' that follows feels like a welcome release and time to catch one's breath.
The ballad of the set is a long but satisfying rendition of 'Old Folks' that begins with a wonderful opening statement from Gordon, accompanied at first by the bass of Rufus Reid. A delightful opening duet that is lifted to greater heights when Cables piano joins in, and the addition of Eddie Gladdens light touch at the drums. Even at this gentle tempo, Gordon is expansive with plenty to say in a fine solo, perhaps, only to be outdone by George cables, who takes a long solo at first and accompanied in a wonderful exploration of the tune, and then with a slow burn with the entry of bass and drums. The album is rounded off with 'Strollin'' by Horace Silver, in which the Quartet, well, stroll, picking just the right tempo for Dexter and company to amble yet never ramble through some fine solos.
As his wont Gordon peppers his solos with barely veiled quotes, even quoting from a well-known children's nursery rhyme. Quite simply, this is lovely stuff, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
TCB The Montreaux Jazz Label TCB 02452
Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophone); George Cables (piano); Rufus Reid (double bass); Eddie Gladden (drums)
Recorded Willisau, March 4th, 1978
Released by TCB The Montreux Jazz Label, this is volume 45 in a series that has thus far made available concert performances from the Max Roach Quintet, Sonny Rollins, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Buck Clayton, and Coleman Hawkins among others, as part of their Swiss Radio Days series and now offers this as this live recording of Dexter Gordon.
In a career that was blighted in the 1950s and 60s with personal problems and spells in prison, Dexter, unlike some of his contemporaries, shall be remembered firstly and foremost for the sheer quality of his music rather than any misdemeanours. If there is a bad Dexter Gordon album, I am yet to hear it, and this album delivers the goods in fine style too. Europe was a place that the tenorist felt comfortable and at home. Indeed, after recording classic albums such as Doin' Alright, Dexter Calling and Go. He took off for a few dates in Europe that lasted 14 years. During this period, he would spend much time in Denmark and sign with the Danish imprint steeplechase for whom he recorded extensively, many of which would be live recordings from Copenhagen's Montmarte club.
Although by the time of this recording he was resident back in the US, Gordon was still a frequent visitor to the continent he loved so much, and whose people loved him. Dexter was always assured of a warm welcome and reciprocated with some stellar performances, and that makes this issue a most welcome addition. The repertoire may be familiar, but never sounds stale as Dexter pours out chorus after chorus that take on a life of their own. Ably assisted by George Cables, Rufus Reid and Eddie Gladden he is out of the starting blocks with an exhilarating take 'On Green Dolphin Street'. 'The Jumpin' Blues composed by JayMcShann and Charlie Parker gets a ferocious workout with Dexter hardly able to wait to get into his solo. This is an inspired performance with the rhythm section driving hard as Dexter spits out notes at a rate of knots, yet also perfectly logical and structured into a solo that explores melodic invention, and the magnificent build up of tension with the use of long and intervallic leaps. Pianist, George Cables is no less inspired in his solo and maintains the momentum created by Gordon. So great is the frenetic pace and excitement generated this medium fast tempo of 'Hi-Fly' that follows feels like a welcome release and time to catch one's breath.
The ballad of the set is a long but satisfying rendition of 'Old Folks' that begins with a wonderful opening statement from Gordon, accompanied at first by the bass of Rufus Reid. A delightful opening duet that is lifted to greater heights when Cables piano joins in, and the addition of Eddie Gladdens light touch at the drums. Even at this gentle tempo, Gordon is expansive with plenty to say in a fine solo, perhaps, only to be outdone by George cables, who takes a long solo at first and accompanied in a wonderful exploration of the tune, and then with a slow burn with the entry of bass and drums. The album is rounded off with 'Strollin'' by Horace Silver, in which the Quartet, well, stroll, picking just the right tempo for Dexter and company to amble yet never ramble through some fine solos.
As his wont Gordon peppers his solos with barely veiled quotes, even quoting from a well-known children's nursery rhyme. Quite simply, this is lovely stuff, and guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
