Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon (born in Los Angeles on 27 February 1923 and died in Philadelphia on 25 April 1990 ) is a tenor saxophonist in jazz American .

Summary
[masquer]
 * 1 Biography
 * 2 Discography
 * 2.1 As a leader
 * 2.2 As sideman
 * 3 Filmography
 * 4 Notes and references
 * 5 External links

Biography [ edit | edit the code ]
Dexter Keith Gordon, born in Los Angeles February 27, 1923, is the son of Dr. Frank Gordon, a graduate of Howard University in Washington DC and was also one of the first major African-American physicians in the "City of angels. " His mother, Gwendolyn Baker, the daughter of Edward Baker, African-American captain in the band of "Buffalo Soldiers," which was awarded the medal of honor after the Spanish-American War (1898).

His entry into the world of music began at the age of 13, where he studied clarinet, before opting for the alto saxophone at age 15 and, finally, the tenor to 17 years. It is at the beginning followed by two professors, Lloyd Reese and Sam Browne and studied music in the Jefferson school. During the last year of his school career,Marshall Royal offers to join the group of Lionel Hampton . Gordon agrees and in 1940, he left Los Angeles, starting with the cast of Hampton. With this, he traveled in the South and continues his apprenticeship with Joe Newman and Illinois Jacquet . The Hampton Group landed a several-month contract to the "Grand Terrace" inChicago in January 1941. Some radio recordings will be made ​​during the following months, and become the first Dexter records.

It was during a trip to New York in 1943 with the Hampton Group, Dexter Gordon meets those who are his two major influences: Lester Young and Ben Webster . With them he will perform some sessions at the legendary "Minton's Playhouse."

The same year, he left the cast of Hampton and returns to Los Angeles. There he played with his brother Lester Young, Lee Young then joined for a few weeks Orchestra Fletcher Henderson as well as the great master of the trumpet, Louis Armstrong . From that moment, "Dex" has some experience, which will allow it for the first time to record under his name. This takes place in 1943, when he recorded "I've Found A New Baby" and "Sweet Lorraine", with luxury sideman Nat King Cole . In 1944, he moved to New York and joined the famous orchestra of Billy Eckstine (real school where met the greatest representatives of the Be-Bop, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie ). He recorded with the orchestra several pieces arranged by Tadd Dameron including the famous "Blowin 'The Blues Away" where it exchanges chorus with saxophonist Gene Ammons .

In 1945, he left the orchestra to Eckstine and began recording for Savoy . These records will become references for tenors to come, such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins . During these sessions he recorded with pianist Bud Powell and drummer Max Roach . In 1947, Gordon recorded "The Chase" with tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, a piece where the duel between the two tenors became very popular. In the late 1940s, Dexter appears several times on stage at the 52nd Street with Fats Navarro , Max Roach and Charlie Parker.

In the 1950s, Dexter Gordon knows long periods of inactivity due to drug problems. At that time, he was imprisoned for possession of heroin . However, he recorded three albums in 1955 for Bethlehem and Dootone labels.

In 1960, after meeting Alfred Lion, he signed a contract and began recording for Blue Note . "Doing Alright" and "Dexter Calling" will be his first two discs for the legendary Blue Note. In 1962, just before leaving for Europe, he recorded "GO" and "Swingin 'Affair".

So he left the same year for Europe where he stayed for almost 15 years. He settled mainly Paris and then to Copenhagen, where he plays with other expatriate jazzmen (Ben Webster, Bud Powell , Kenny Drew ).However, he returned to the United States during several stays and records discs for Blue Note ("Gettin 'Around", 1965; "Clubhouse", 1965). Two other important albums of this European period, both registered in Paris, are to remember: "Our Man In Paris" in 1963 with Bud Powell , Pierre Michelot and Kenny Clarke, and "One Flight Up" 1964 with Donald Byrd and Kenny Drew . It also records during this same period, although less known records, but a proven quality for the Danish label "Steeplechase" ("The Apartment," 1974; "Something Different", 1975; "Bouncin 'With Dex" 1975 ...)

In 1965, Dexter Gordon arrives at Prestige where he remained until 1973. He then continues, as Blue Note, recording discs for several visits to the United States. Musically speaking, this period could be placed under the sign of a "maintenance of tradition." Gordon arises in these records true advocate of jazz more "traditional", more "bop", which then prevents (not unrelated, however) to the Free Jazz, who is with Ornette Coleman , Bill Dixon , Archie Shepp in full swing. Then, in the Jazz Rock the early 70's with Miles Davis and others ( Herbie Hancock , Chick Corea, etc ..)

During his journey of several years in Europe, Dexter Gordon, has not only played with American expatriates sidemen, it has also been accompanied by European musicians such as the Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu .

The artist is in Europe a kind of refuge. A refuge against racism and poor living conditions, which are reserved for the African American community in the United States. In addition, art, jazz is more accepted in Europe and America, so there has more recognition from the public. One can clearly say that their living conditions have improved significantly during his European period, unlike those he has experienced in his homeland (drug addiction problems, several imprisonments ...)

During the years in Copenhagen, in Denmark , he met the family of the future drummer for Metallica , Lars Ulrich , which Dexter will be the godfather.

However, despite the many benefits it has known in Europe, "Dex" decided in 1976 to return permanently to America. He is entitled to a hero's welcome on his return and was contacted by the huge record companyColumbia, with whom he signed a contract. Seen at the Village Vanguard in 1977 and then formed his own group with Rufus Reid (bass), George Cables (piano) and Eddie Gladden (drums). With them he will make several tours and recordings, including "Live at the Manhattan Symphony" and "Live at the Keystone."

Dexter Keith Gordon appears even better, with the experience he has gained during his European tour. It is recognized therefore as one of the greatest tenors. It will also voted best musician of the year twice byDown Beat magazine in 1978 and 1980.

In 1986, the master entering a new phase in his great career as an artist and goes to the movies. That year, he played in the film by Bertrand Tavernier, a great lover and connoisseur of jazz, "Around Midnight", with among others François Cluzet , Lonette McKee and Herbie Hancock (who also composed the music for the film). Dexter Gordon was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Dale Turner.

"Dex" will make one last appearance at Ellingtones, where he played with the New York Philharmonic . He died of kidney failure on April 25, 1990 in Philadelphia .

As a leader [ edit | edit the code ]

 * Dexter Rides Again (1945)
 * The Hunt w Wardell Gray (1947)
 * The Chase w Wardell Gray (1947)
 * The Duel w Teddy Edwards (1947)
 * Daddy Plays the Horn (1955)
 * Dexter Blows Hot and Cool (1955)
 * The Resurgence of Dexter Gordon (Riverside, 1960)
 * Doin 'Allright (1961), Blue Note
 * ... Dexter Calling (1961), Blue Note
 * Go! (1962), Blue Note
 * A Swingin 'Affair (1962), Blue Note
 * Our Man in Paris (Paris 1963), Blue Note - w Bud Powell
 * One Flight Up (Paris, 1964) - Blue Note
 * King Neptune (1964)
 * Clubhouse (Blue Note, 1965)
 * Gettin 'Around (New York, 1965)
 * The Squirrel: Live at Montmartre (1967)
 * Take The "A" Train (1967)
 * A Day in Copenhagen (MPS, 1969) - with Slide Hampton
 * ! The Tower of Power (Prestige, 1969) - with James Moody
 * More Power! (Prestige, 1969)
 * Some Other Spring (Sonet 1970) - with Karin Krog
 * Dexter Gordon with Junior Mance at Montreux (Prestige, 1970) - with Junior Mance
 * ! The Panther (Prestige, 1970) - with Tommy Flanagan and Alan Dawson . Prestige Records
 * ! The Chase (Prestige, 1970) - with Gene Ammons
 * The Jumpin 'Blues (Prestige, 1970) - with Wynton Kelly
 * Tangerine (1972) hard bop with Freddie Hubbard and others - Luxury
 * Ca'Purange (Prestige, 1972) with Thad Jones , Hank Jones , Stanley Clarke and Louis Hayes
 * Generation (1972) with Freddie Hubbard , Cedar Walton and others - Luxury
 * All Souls with Eric Ineke and others (1972) - Dexterity
 * Afterhours / The Great Pescara Jam Sessions Vol 1 & 2 with Eric Ineke (1973) - Song Ports
 * The Apartment (1974) - SteepleChase
 * Something Different (1975) SteepleChase
 * Bouncin 'with Dex (1975) SteepleChase
 * Swiss Nights Vol.1-3 (1975 Zurich Jazz Fest) SteepleChase
 * Homecoming: Live at the Village Vanguard (1976)
 * True Blue w / Al Cohn (1976; Xanadu Records)
 * Silver Blue w / Al Cohn (1976; Xanadu Records)
 * Biting The Apple (1976) - SteepleChase
 * Sophisticated Giant (1977) with 11-piece big band included Woody Shaw , Slide Hampton , Bobby Hutcherson - Columbia Records
 * Manhattan Symphony (1978), Columbia Records-with Rufus Reid - bass, Eddie Gladden - percussion, and George Cables - keyboard
 * Gotham City (1980), Columbia Records
 * Landslide (1980), Blue Note
 * American Classic [featuring Grover Washington Jr. and Shirley Scott] (1982) Elektra Entertainment
 * Round Midnight (1986), Columbia Records
 * The Other Side of Round Midnight (1986) Blue Note Records
 * Live at Carnegie Hall (1998), Columbia Records - Recorded in 1978
 * The Rainbow People with Benny Bailey (2002), Steeplechase Records - Released in 2002

As a sideman [ edit | edit the code ]
With Herbie Hancock With Gene Ammons With Booker Ervin
 * Takin 'Off (Blue Note, 1962)
 * The Chase! (Prestige, 1970)
 * Gene Ammons and Friends at Montreux (Prestige, 1973)
 * 1965: Setting the Pace (Prestige)

Filmography [ edit | edit the code ]

 * 1955 : Unchained (Unchained) of Hall Bartlett
 * 1986 : Round Midnight by Bertrand Tavernier
 * 1990 : The Awakening of Penny Marshall