Dexter Gordon : Ballads

Really smooth.
- Richard Sudol, 02/10/2003, USA

Full title is: Ballads

Length: 62:59

The All Music Guide rating for this album on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 8

The All Music Guide rating for this album among this artist's works on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 8

  Al Harewood - Drums
  Art Taylor - Drums
  Barry Harris - Piano
  Billy Higgins - Drums
  Bob Cranshaw - Bass
  Bud Powell - Piano
  Butch Warren - Bass
  Dexter Gordon - Sax (Tenor), Main Performer
  Donald Byrd - Trumpet
  Eddie Gladden - Drums
  Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
  George Cables - Piano
  George Tucker - Bass
  Horace Parlan - Piano
  Kenny Clarke - Drums
  Kenny Drew - Piano
  Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen - Bass
  Paul Chambers - Bass
  Philly Joe Jones - Drums
  Pierre Michelot - Bass
  Rudy Van Gelder - Recorder
  Rufus Reid - Bass
  Sonny Clark - Piano

Along with Gene Ammons and Stanley Turrentine , Dexter Gordon was one of the top ballad players of the '60s. Having already made his name in the bebop era and as an expatriate in Europe, Gordon returned to the States to record a series of fine Blue Note discs during the first half of the decade. This edition of the label's Ballads series features Gordon at his peak and in the company of some of hard bop 's best players. Whether melding nicely with trumpeter Donald Byrd from a Paris date in 1964 ( 'Darn That Dream' ) or locking in with the stellar rhythm section of Sonny Clark , Butch Warren , and Billy Higgins ( 'Don't Explain' ), Gordon delivers his almost sleepy and smoke-filled solos with regal grace. The same can also be said of the rest of this incredible program, including a latter-day live cut from 1978. A perfect set for those in need of a provocative after-hours session in front of the stereo. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide