Dexter Gordon integra-se imediatamente com a sublime secção rítmica composta por Kenny Drew, Paul Chambers e Philly Joe Jones neste seu segundo album para a Blue Note. O programa vai desde os originais de Drew até peças da banda sonora de Gordon para 'The Connection', e fabulosas performances de standards. Para fechar a sessão, Landslide é o seu tributo a Harold Land.

• Edição Limitada
• Edição Numerada
• Corte a partir das Master Tapes Analógicas Originais
• Masterizado por Kevin Gray e Steve Hoffman
• Masterizado na AcousTech
• 2LP 45rpm Vinil Virgem 180 Gramas
• Prensagem na RTI USA

"Dexter Gordon's second recording for Blue Note is a solidly swinging affair, yet constantly full of surprises. It's not unexpected that Gordon's tenor at this time (1961) was one of the most enjoyable in mainstream jazz, but his transition from the cool California scene to the hotter music environs of New York City had energized his sound and attitude. A first-time pairing with bassist Paul Chambers has something to do with this, but it also inspires pianist Kenny Drew to a great extent, while drummer Philly Joe Jones is his reliable, energetic self, and always works well with Gordon. Where Gordon's fluent melodic sense is perfectly demonstrated during the simple-as-pie groove waltz "Soul Sister," the steady, steamy bopper "I Want More," and the familiar Charlie Chaplin evergreen "Smile," his sense of expanding the specific line upon soloing is truly remarkable. He constantly keeps the song form in mind, riffing on and on without violating the basic note structures, constantly reharmonizing, shuffling the chords like a card dealer and updating the song form.

"The End of a Love Affair" takes this concept into an area where his deep, subtle voice is translated directly into the low-slung voicings of his horn. The remarkable "Modal Mood" combines hard bop with Drew's three-chord piano repetitions and Gordon's soulful, simplified sax, while the equally impressive "Clear the Dex" steamrolls the competition as the band -- cued by Jones -- skillfully pushes or pull tension and release elements, then busts loose into joyous swinging in a true signature tune that is immediately recognizable as only the long, tall tenor man. The sad ballad "Ernie's Tune" is based on a yin/yang theme via Freddie Redd's stage play The Connection and the crazy character that ran wild or tame. The excellent band, solid musicianship, and memorable music on every track make this one of the more essential recordings of Gordon's career." - Michael G. Nastos, All Music

"This recording offers a marvelous sense of presence, lifelike clarity, and explosive dynamic pop, with a big, open stage, an intensely vibrant, rich, and burnished sax sound, solid bass and piano, exceptionally percussive drums, and ringing cymbals." - Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound

Músicos:

Dexter Gordon, saxofone tenor
Kenny Drew, piano
Paul Chambers, baixo
Philly Joe Jones, bateria

Lista de Faixas:

1. Soul Sister
2. Modal Mood
3. I Want More
4. End Of A Love Affair
5. Clear The Dex
6. Ernie's Tune
7. Smile

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