Dexter Gordon: Take the "A" Train

James Nichols

Contributor since 2001

James Nichols is earning a PhD in American History and listening to the radio.

Recent articles (23 total)

Published: April 1, 2001

4.25 out of 5 Stars. Very worthy album. Nothing too unusual here. During his lifetime, Dexter Gordon played thousands of outstanding small group bop dates. This CD documents one of them. Gordon recorded this set during a two-day period (July 20-21, 1967) of his self -imposed European exile at Copenhagen’s Montmarte Club. That two-day stand also yielded the albums Both Sides of Midnight and Body and Soul. The European label Black Lion has previously issued these performances. Now available from 1201 Music, this edition has particularly good sound quality thanks to a 24-bit re-mastering. Gordon and his European quartet, including fellow expatriate drummer "Klook" Clark, stretch out on six standards. These performances mostly clock in at ten to fifteen minutes and Dexter gives the audience his standard issue. We hear his immensely personal dry tone, humorous popular song quotes, very creative bebop solos and his listless and steadily paced baritone voice performing master of ceremonies duties. Very enjoyable, pick it up if you run across it.

Track Listing: 1. But Not for Me 2. Take the "A" Train 3. For All We Know 4. The Blues Walk 5. I Guess I'll Have to Hang My Tears Out to Dry 6. Love for Sale

Personnel: Dexter Gordon tenor Kenny Drew bass Albert "Tootie" Heath drums Niels-Henning

Record Label: 1201 Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream