He was one of the foremost saxophonists to come out of 1940s bebop, but Dexter Gordon’s output was sparse in the early 50s, his absence due mainly to drug-related issues. The small label Dootone issued this (DL211), and it became a collectors’ piece for many years. I recall getting a handful of copies when I worked for Collet’s in the mid 70s. They came from our American supplier Harbor Records in New York, whose owner, the late Jerry Hornig, described the label as being “as rare as hen’s teeth”. It was subsequently released on Ace/Boplicity here in the UK in the 80s.
In this filler between the earlier heady days and his later Blue Note period, Gordon’s supported by a sound rhythm section guided by Carl Perkins (often heard with Curtis Counce’s group at the time and whose fine trio album also appeared on Dootone, DL207) and his regular bassist Leroy Vinnegar, plus the reliable Chuck Thompson, then working regularly with the Hampton Hawes trio.
Although not considered one of Dexter’s best albums, it still has its moments, his trademark big tenor sound shining through, particularly on the ballads – Cry Me A River, Don’t Worry About Me, Tenderly and a gorgeously Websterish I Should Care – a foretaste of things to come.
Several of the tracks are typical of the blowing sessions prevalent at the time. Rhythm Mad, Bonna Rue and Silver Plated fall into this category, the style loose and easy. Little is known about trumpeter Jimmy Robinson, who only appears on these three, and although he slots in well enough, notably when trading fours with Dexter, his contribution is limited.
Perkins was an unusual pianist, playing with his left arm parallel to the keyboard, the result of a disability. This gives his piano work something of a stabbing approach at times, but sounding uncluttered and direct, as heard on Blowin’ For Dootsie (written for the label owner, Dootsie Williams). Perkins’ relaxed swing, slow and bluesy, is a feature of the album and is prominent on the opening bars of Don’t Worry, paving the way for the leader’s typically laid-back tenor.
A solid release with much to recommend it and serving to fill a gap in the Dexter discography.
Discography
Silver Plated; Cry Me A River; Rhythm Mad; Don’t Worry About Me; I Hear Music; Bonna Rue; I Should Care; Blowin’ For Dootsie; Tenderly (38.53)
Gordon (ts); Jimmy Robinson (t); Carl Perkins (p); Leroy Vinnegar (b); Chuck Thompson (d). Los Angeles, November 1955.
Waxtime 772354
