Dexter Gordon

Dexter Keith Gordon (February 27, 1923 – April 25, 1990) was an American tenor saxophonist, a key figure in bebop and hard bop known for his warm, spacious tone and mastery of ballads. He spent extended years in Europe (notably Paris and Copenhagen), recorded seminal albums for Blue Note, and received an Academy Award nomination for his appearance in Round Midnight (1986).

Distinctive tenor sound influenced by Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins; major Blue Note recordings include Our Man in Paris, Go!, Doin' Allright, A Swingin' Affair, One Flight Up, and Gettin' Around. Worked with Lionel Hampton, Tadd Dameron, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke and bassist Pierre Michelot. Struggled with drug and alcohol dependency in the 1950s-1970s and spent a long expatriate period in Europe. Celebrated for both ballads and hard bop performances.

DeBaser reviews celebrate Dexter Gordon's distinctive tenor sound, mastery of ballads, and key Blue Note albums such as Our Man in Paris and Go!. Reviewers highlight his Paris/Copenhagen expatriate years, collaborations with Bud Powell and others, and strong live performances. Overall portrayed as an essential, classically rooted figure in modern jazz.

For:Jazz listeners, saxophone enthusiasts, Blue Note collectors, music historians