Our Man In Paris [Original recording remastered, Extra tracks]

I first heard this record on Humphrey Lyttelton's radio programme nearly twenty years ago during a period when a lot of classic Blue Note records were being re-released. The track played was the barn-storming version of "Scrapple from the apple" and demonstrated the tenor man on top of his game, no doubt inspired by the cracking rhythm team. It is funny to learn in the liner notes that this disc was originally intended to feature Kenny Drew on piano and a programme of originals. The compositions were not considered good enough and due to the replacement pianist being unable to grasp unfamiliar material,it was decided to put together an album devoted to well known tunes that would not give any difficulty. This led to the creation of this masterpiece where all four musicians play with complete abandon.
Whilst the album "Go" is largely considered to be Gordon's best record from this era, I doubt if it is possible to find two more swinging tracks that the aforementioned "Apple" and "Broadway." Pianist Bud Powell struggles manfully with an out of tune piano, although this does not detract from the album as much as with Hank Mobley's "Roll Call" as his solos are limited. This is clearly Dexter's album - even though he is nearly upstaged by some of Kenny Clarkes' incredible drumming that still sounds remarkably contemporary today.
Other tracks such as a sleezy version of "Willow weep for me" and the beautiful ballad "Strairway to the stars" are hugely enjoyable. Even the old warhouse "A Night in Tunisia " gets a good work-out,Dexter's solo's often interpolating wry quotes from other standards. This CD even comes with two bonus tracks, one of which omits the leader's saxophone.
To conclude, this is a studio album that has the excitement of a live date and in "Broadway " and "Scrapple", includes two of the hardest swinging tracks in the history of jazz. Recorded at the same time as Coltrane's classic Quartet, "Our man in Paris " demonstrates that Bebop was still very much alive in 1962. This disc should be in every jazz fan's collection.

This 1963 album finds Dexter Gordon in sparkling form. He is backed by Bud Powell on Piano, Pierre Michelot bass and Kenny Clarke drums. Its one of the best sessions Gordon ever recorded and is an essential purchase for any Jazz fan.

Dexter Gordon is in fine form throughout the album. Just take the opening Charlie Parker classic 'Scrapple from the Apple'. The theme is stated and Gordon takes the first solo. Three and a half minutes later he finishes. Theres no apparent repetition here, or use of a stock of standard riffs that you might hear with a lesser musician. Throughout this solo he is inventive using the full range of the Saxophones marvellous palette. The other stand-out track on here for me is his version of 'A Night in Tunisia'. Whether he's throwing in a quote from 'Summertime' or bending notes on this form Gordon was up there with the very best. On a few moments in his solo on Tunisia I was reminded of Coltranes Soprano solos. Whilst there is no doubt that in his early career Gordon was an undoubted influence on Coltrane I wonder if at this stage Gordon was actually being influenced by Coltrane.

Its worth mentioning the appearance of Bud Powell on the album. He was the most important Jazz pianist before Bill Evans arrived in the late 1950's. Sadly he suffered from mental health problems and his playing later in his career (from the late 1950's onwards) could be erratic. On this recording he isn't the whirlwind of 10 years earlier, but his playing is mostly consistent and considered of sufficient standard for 'Like Someone In Love' to be put out as a bonus track on the CD.

An earlier reviewer gives a more thorough insight into this album than I can or wish to do, but I will add a thought of my own. This is a wonderful example of great tunes being played by an excellent band, with no eye to excess or showmanship. This album was never intended to be a great work of deep feeling, but it is music to which one can turn time and time again, and from which one can derive enormous amounts of enjoyment.