DEXTER GORDON
Our Man In Paris (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Our Man In Paris, a recently remastered 1963 release, finds the great tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon offering up an entire album of classic standards. Gordon was living in Paris at the time and recorded this great music with two fellow expatriates - Bud Powell on piano and Kenny Clarke on drums, plus the French bass player Pierre Michelot, so the title could well have been Our Men In Paris. However, make no mistake; this was Gordon's album. He played with passion and eloquence, always full of thoughtful ideas and remarkable inventiveness. Obviously inspired by a couple of old friends and the less prejudicial atmosphere of Paris, Gordon produced another musical work comparable to his earlier Blue Note masterpieces GO! and A Swingin' Affair.

Why all standards? As the Producer Francis Wolff explained, "Dexter's originals were not so good; besides, Bud has great trouble learning new tunes." Bud Powell was in the midst of severe personal problems at the time, but the familiar material was just the tonic Powell needed. He played like the genius he was, whether perfectly backing Gordon as a member of the rhythm section or contributing a plethora of superbly crafted solos. Kenny Clarke, considered the father of bebop drumming, generated considerable excitement as well.

"Our Man In Paris" is like a pair of well worn jeans. Classic style along with familiar comfort. Great for any occasion. Dexter Gordon was one of the finest tenor saxophonists of the twentieth century and his Blue Note records are outstanding examples of his prime. So slip on your favorite jeans, slide into your favorite chair, and reward yourself for a productive week with a listen to Our Man In Paris.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich