Dexter Gordon Quartet

Dexter Gordon – born on February 27, 1923 in Los Angeles, California – was a jazz tenor saxophonist and one of the most influential bebop musicians of his generation. Nicknamed Long Tall Dexter, Dexter Gordon’s career spanned 50 years. Picking up the saxophone at 15, he became a member of Lionel Hampton's big band before recording with the likes of Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. Dexter Gordon built his career on his early albums as a bandleader including Dexter Rides Again (1945), The Chase (1947) and Daddy Plays The Horn (1955). He cut a few sides in the late 1940s with his short-lived quartet that were released as 10-inch singles. He signed to the Blue Note Records label and released classics like Go! (1962) and A Swingin' Affair (1962). After years of drug addiction, prison sentences and racism, Dexter Gordon left America and relocated to Europe for 15 years. Although he recorded several albums in the U.S., he did not return permanently until 1976. At that point, he was signed to the SteepleChase label and recorded a series of albums with his revived quartet. While the membership of the Dexter Gordon Quartet was fluid, the band’s releases are now considered essential listening in fully understanding the magic of Dexter Gordon. The quartet’s catalog includes The Apartment (1975), Bouncin’ with Dex (1976), Biting the Apple (1977). Manhattan Symphonie (1978), Cheese Cake (1979), Something Different (1980), and The Shadow of Your Smile (1985). Dexter Gordon died of kidney failure on April 25, 1990.

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