MOG

Saxophonist Dexter Gordon played with jumping energy when he was a young man. He became a majestic performer as he aged.

1963 was a wonderful year in which to make Dexter's acquaintance. He moved to Europe, settled in Copenhagen, and played all over the continent. Before the move, he could hardly work in the US.

He recorded the "Our Man In Paris" album with Kenny Clarke and Bud Powell, one of his absolute best, shortly after he arrived.

This is from one of the few sources of video that I know of that show Dexter performing as a young man, a DVD published by the Jazz Icons label.

I love the insouicant grin he has as he finishes introducing this Sonny Stitt blues. A few moments later, you'll see an extremely happy man playing at the top of his game.