Dexter Gordon was an American jazz saxophonist known for his distinctive sound, melodic improvisations, and commanding stage presence. Born in Los Angeles in 1923, Gordon grew up in a musical family and started playing saxophone at an early age. He quickly gained recognition as a talented musician and began playing with notable jazz artists such as Lionel Hampton and Louis Armstrong.
In the 1940s, Gordon became part of the bebop movement and started playing with jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. His big break came in the 1960s when he moved to Europe and became a star of the international jazz scene. Gordon’s performances were characterized by his deep, rich tone and his ability to tell stories through his improvisations.
Gordon’s discography includes over 70 albums, including classics such as “Doin’ Allright” and “Go!” which are considered to be some of the finest jazz recordings of the 1960s. He was also featured in the acclaimed film “Round Midnight” in 1986, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
In addition to his musical contributions, Gordon was known for his generosity and mentorship of younger musicians. He was a mentor to many up-and-coming jazz artists and was instrumental in bringing jazz education programs to schools and universities.
Dexter Gordon’s legacy as a jazz saxophonist and educator continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of all time, and his music remains timeless and relevant to this day.
1. Fried Bananas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxH6C1HKzKs
“Fried Bananas” is a vibrant and energetic jazz tune from Dexter Gordon’s album “The Montmartre Collection Vol. 2.” The song starts with a funky bassline and slowly introduces the other instruments before launching into a fiery saxophone solo by Gordon. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, with the drums and piano adding accents and fills throughout the tune. Gordon’s playing is full of soul and passion, with his trademark smooth sound and impeccable technique on display. “Fried Bananas” is a showcase for Gordon’s virtuosity and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest tenor saxophonists in jazz history.
2. Round Midnight
Dexter Gordon’s rendition of “Round Midnight” is a hauntingly beautiful jazz ballad that showcases his masterful saxophone playing and emotional depth as a musician. The song was written by Thelonious Monk and has been interpreted by many jazz artists, but Gordon’s version stands out for its soulful and introspective quality. Gordon’s rich, sonorous tone and melodic phrasing are perfectly suited to the melancholy mood of the song, which speaks to the pain and longing that can come with love and loss. “Round Midnight” is a timeless jazz standard that continues to captivate audiences with its haunting beauty and emotional resonance.
3. Tangerine
“Tangerine” is a classic jazz standard recorded by saxophonist Dexter Gordon in 1972. The track features Gordon’s signature tenor saxophone playing, backed by a swinging rhythm section and playful interjections from the horns. The song is known for its upbeat melody and breezy, carefree vibe, which captures the essence of summer and youth. Gordon’s improvisational skills are on full display throughout the track, as he weaves in and out of the melody with ease and fluency. “Tangerine” has become a beloved classic of the jazz genre and remains a popular tune for both listening and performing.
4. Jelly Jelly
“Jelly Jelly” is a bluesy jazz tune by Dexter Gordon, featuring his signature tenor saxophone sound and improvisational skills. The song is characterized by a slow, swinging tempo and a simple yet catchy melody. Gordon’s playing is both soulful and energetic, with masterful use of phrasing, dynamics, and tone. The rhythm section provides a solid foundation for Gordon’s solos, with an understated but driving bassline and crisp, swinging drums. The song showcases Gordon’s ability to capture the essence of the blues while also adding his own unique voice to the genre. Overall, “Jelly Jelly” is a standout track in Gordon’s discography and a testament to his talent as a musician.
5. Body and Soul
Dexter Gordon’s rendition of “Body and Soul” is a masterful example of his lyrical and soulful approach to jazz improvisation. The song, written by Johnny Green, is a beloved jazz standard that has been recorded by countless artists, but Gordon’s version is particularly noteworthy for its emotional depth and beauty. Gordon’s rich, warm tone and melodic phrasing bring out the romantic and tender qualities of the song, while his improvisations add a personal touch that speaks to his own experiences as a musician and human being. “Body and Soul” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move listeners with its exquisite beauty and emotional resonance.
6. A Night in Tunisia
“A Night in Tunisia” is a famous jazz standard recorded by saxophonist Dexter Gordon in 1964. The track features Gordon’s virtuosic playing on the tenor saxophone, accompanied by a tight rhythm section and fiery, bebop-inspired horn lines. The song is known for its complex and intricate melody, which showcases Gordon’s improvisational skills and his ability to play in the bebop style. “A Night in Tunisia” has become a staple of the jazz repertoire, and remains a popular tune for both listening and performing among jazz musicians and enthusiasts. The track is a testament to Gordon’s talent and influence as a jazz saxophonist.
7. You’ve Changed
“You’ve Changed” is a poignant ballad recorded by saxophonist Dexter Gordon in 1962. The track features Gordon’s soulful playing on the tenor saxophone, backed by a lush arrangement of strings and piano. The lyrics express feelings of heartbreak and loss, as the singer laments the changes that have occurred in a relationship. Gordon’s playing is marked by its emotional depth and sensitivity, conveying the pain and longing expressed in the lyrics. “You’ve Changed” is a standout track on Gordon’s album “Doin’ Allright,” and remains a beloved standard of the jazz ballad genre.
8. Cheese Cake
“Cheese Cake” is a classic jazz standard composed by the legendary jazz pianist Dexter Gordon. The song features Gordon’s signature sound, characterized by his rich, soulful tone and his ability to tell a story through his playing. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, with a driving rhythm section that sets the stage for Gordon’s improvisations. Gordon’s solos are full of energy, passion, and technical virtuosity, showcasing his mastery of the saxophone. “Cheese Cake” is a must-listen for any jazz lover, and it remains a favorite among musicians and fans alike for its timeless quality and musical brilliance.
9. Society Red
“Society Red” is a hard-driving jazz tune that showcases Dexter Gordon’s virtuosic saxophone playing and bebop sensibilities. The song features a lively, swinging rhythm section and a catchy melody that is anchored by Gordon’s commanding saxophone lines. Gordon’s improvisations are full of energy and wit, and his mastery of the bebop vocabulary is on full display throughout the song. “Society Red” is a prime example of Gordon’s ability to infuse his music with a sense of joy and playfulness, while maintaining a high level of technical proficiency and musicality. It is a standout track in Gordon’s discography and a must-listen for fans of bebop and hard bop jazz.
10. Second Balcony Jump
“Second Balcony Jump” is a jazz standard performed by legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon. The song features a memorable melody that showcases Gordon’s impressive technique and ability to improvise. The tune has a lively, upbeat tempo and features driving rhythms from the rhythm section, which includes a swinging piano and propulsive bass and drums. Gordon’s soloing on “Second Balcony Jump” is both fiery and expressive, displaying his virtuosic command of the tenor saxophone. The song has become a staple of jazz repertoire and is celebrated for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
