Recorded in the summer of 1962, this is I think an even better album than the excellent Go. Gordon has in common with Lester Young the ability to catch one’s attention from the very start of a solo – his improvisations often come as a surprise, yet he strides along with such effortless ease that everything he does falls into place like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
The two good ballads, Don’t Explain and Real Thing are both played with melodic tenderness which suits the material and yet is never allowed to become over sentimental. The phrasing is far too pungent to ever become sickly. McSplivens (who’s he?) is another fine track. The rhythm team lay down a ferocious beat and Gordon improvises a solo composed of long lines which really swing. His sense of construction is very neat and tidy.
Another ‘blower’ is the catchy Backbone, on which the late Sonny Clark plays delightfully. There is a directness of approach through out this session which spells good jazz.
Discography
Soy Califa; Don’t Explain; You Stepped Out Of A Dream (19 min) – The Backbone; Until The Real Thing Comes Along; McSplivens (19½ min)
Dexter Gordon (ten); Sonny Clark (p); Butch Warren (bs); Billy Higgins (d). NYC, Sept., 1962.
(Blue Note BLP 4133 12inLP 42s. 6d.)