Dexter Gordon
is represented by a large discography, though the late '60s are little documented. The discovery of this previously unissued radio broadcast from 1969 is a real treasure, as the tenor saxophonist is in superb form, accompanied by some of his favorite musicians: pianist
Kenny Drew
, bassist
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
, and drummer
Albert "Tootie" Heath
. He revisits
"Soy Califa,"
an original written for a
Blue Note
session earlier in the decade; this
hard bop
vehicle opens the show with a flourish.
Gordon
and
Drew
share the spotlight in a sensitive treatment of
"The Shadow of Your Smile."
His loping
blues
"Society Red"
features
Pedersen
's incredible solo work, while
"The Blues Up and Down"
(co-written by fellow tenor saxophonists
Sonny Stitt
Gene Ammons
) works perfectly well for
without a sparring partner on his instrument. Beautifully recorded with excellent balance between the musicians and an attentive, respectful audience, it should be considered a mandatory purchase for
fans. ~ Ken Dryden