Dexter Gordon "Our Man In Paris" 1963

All of Dexter Gordon's Blue Note albums are first rate, but if I had to designate one as the best, this would probably be the one. He's with great "sidemen" like Bud Powell, which spurs him to play with focus and intensity, which is always when he makes his best music. Even though it was recorded during a time of great experimentation in jazz, Gordon sticks to what he does best: straight up bop. - Drew FieldsThis 1963 date is titled for Dexter Gordon's living in self-imposed Parisian exile and recording there with two other exptriates and a French native. Along with Gordon, pianist Bud Powell and Kenny "Klook" Clarke were living in the City of Lights and were joined by the brilliant French bassman Pierre Michelot. This is a freewheeling bop date with the band working out on such categoric standards as "Scrapple from the Apple," and "A Night in Tunisia." In addition, American vernacular tunes such as "Willow Weep for Me" and "Stairway to the Stars" are included. Gordon is at the very top of his game here. His playing is crisp, tight, and full of playful fury. Powell, who at this stage of his life was almost continually plagued by personal problems, never sounded better than he does in this session. His playing is a tad more laid-back here, but is nonetheless full of the brilliant harmonic asides and incendiary single-note runs he is legendary for. The rhythm section is close-knit and stop-on-a-dime accurate. - AllMusic Review by Thom Jurektrax:
01 Scrapple From The Apple 02 Willow Weep For Me 03 Broadway 04 Stairway To The Stars 05 A Night In Tunisia 06 Our Love Is Here To Stay 07 Like Someone In Love

This music is dedicated to the tradition of Johnny Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Free Sunday!