L.T.D. by Dexter Gordon

28 Feb

Written by Lee Prosser
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This CD chronicles four extended selections, all previously unreleased, from a Sunday afternoon set at the Famous Ballroom in Baltimore, Maryland on the 4th of May, 1969. Tenor saxophone legend, long, tall Dexter Gordon was fronting a pickup trio out of New York City that consisted of pianist Bobby Timmons, Victor Gaskin on bass, and drummer Percy Brice.

The album starts out on a swinging note with Dex & Co. digging into the old Count Basie/Lester Young chestnut "Broadway." Gordon steams through eleven intense choruses, employing more double-timing than was usual for him. Bobby Timmons follows with a solo that’s half as long but swinging just as hard. "Boston Bernie," a little-heard Gordon original based on "All The Things You Are" grooves along nicely with Gordon and Timmons working well together. Ballad time with Dex was always a treat and this version of Ellington’s "In A Sentimental Mood" is no exception. Dexter’s all warm and furry here, playing with an air of sophistication that perfectly matches his regal persona. Wrapping things up, the quartet returns to the source of all American music, the blues. "Blues Up And Down," the old Ammons/Gordon tenor jam has Gordon tearing his way through 40 (count ‘em!) choruses before Timmons solos and then Gordon and Brice wrap things up by trading twos, then fours against eights. This is a welcome release from Prestige.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Dexter Gordon
CD Title: L.T.D.
Genre: BeBop / Hard Bop
Year Released: 2001
Record Label: Prestige
Musicians: Dexter Gordon (tenor sax) Bobby Timmons (piano) Victor Gaskin (bass) Percy Brice (drums)
Label Website: -
Rating: Five Stars