Manhattan Symphonie

by Dexter Gordon

Overview

Manhattan Symphonie was recorded just two days after Dexter Gordon's legendary gigs at the Village Vanguard with his working band of pianist George Cables, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Eddie Gladden. Produced by Michael, this set captures the true mastery of Gordon at his melodic peak. Some of the fire of the earlier bebop years has mellowed but, as evidenced by the opening ballad "As Time Goes By," none of his ability to reimagine melody, his trademark phrasing, and his sheer ability to transfer emotion is missing. Cables provides a solid foil for Gordon just as he did for Art Pepper. His large chord voicings are simultaneously insistent and utterly subtle, shading the harmony with enough depth to give Gordon room to really dig into them and blow. Other standouts here include a fine read of "Body and Soul," "LTD," and the beautiful "Tanya." The 2005 Legacy CD reissue includes a previously unreleased version of "Secret Love," and a read of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear," from the Great Encounters album. Pete Hammill's fine original notes are reproduced here, and there is a short, moving essay by Cables. The sound is warm, full, and utterly true. ~ Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	08/16/2005
Label:	Columbia/Legacy / Sony Music Distribution
UPC:	0828767763323
Rank:	81463

Tracks

1. As Time Goes By
2. Moment's Notice
3. Tanya
4. I Told You So
5. Body and Soul
6. Ltd
7. Ruby, My Dear
8. Secret Love
9. [Untitled]
10. [Untitled]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dexter Gordon   Primary Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Dexter Gordon Quartet   Primary Artist
Eddie Gladden   Drums
Rufus Reid   Double Bass,Guest Artist
George Cables   Piano,Guest Artist

Technical Credits

George Cables   Liner Notes
Peter Hammill   Liner Notes
Ken Robertson   Audio Engineer
Jerry Smith   Audio Engineer
Michael Cuscuna   Audio Production
Herman Hupfeld   Composer