Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon on vinyl: the big sound of the tenor saxophone

In short: Dexter Gordon (1923–1990) from Los Angeles is regarded as one of the first to play bebop on the tenor saxophone in the forties. His tone was big, warm and relaxed, often with a wink. From 1962 he lived mostly in Europe, above all in Copenhagen; more Blue Note classics were made in that period, and in the seventies numerous albums for Prestige. The Vinyl Room currently has 11 Dexter Gordon records.

What makes Dexter Gordon special?

He liked to play slightly behind the beat and to quote other melodies in his solos – trademarks you recognise at once. We have the early recordings on “Dexter Rides Again” and “The Bethlehem Years”, plus “Stanley The Steamer” with drummer Stan Levey.

From the seventies there’s “The Chase!” – a tenor duel with Gene Ammons, live in Chicago –, “Generation”, “Ca’ Purange”, “Tangerine” and “Blues A La Suisse” from the Montreux festival. “Clubhouse” was recorded for Blue Note in 1965 but only released in 1979.

From our stock

First pressings

All Dexter Gordon records

→ Prestige · Blue Note · Gene Ammons · Bop

FAQ

When did Dexter Gordon live in Europe? From 1962 he played mostly in Europe and lived in Copenhagen; in 1976 he returned to the US.

What is “The Chase!”? A 1970 live album with Gene Ammons – two tenor saxophones in a contest.

Was Dexter Gordon also an actor? Yes, he was nominated for an Oscar for the lead role in the film “Round Midnight” (1986).

Which records do you have? Bebop from the forties and fifties and seventies albums – 11 records in all.