In 1976, following a fourteen year exile from the United States, legendary jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon returned to Manhattan. Legal troubles had forced him to head overseas but by the time he returned all previous sins had been forgiven and audiences were treated to an even deeper talented performer than the one that had left in 1962. He assembled an incomparable group of sidemen in pianist George Cables, Bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Eddie Gladden. Together they formed one of the finest jazz quartets every created.
Now jazz fans can rejoice with Sony's reissue of 1978's Manhattan Symphonie which was the culmination of the quartet's previous two years of performing throughout New York. The chemistry between these musicians is evident on every track. The set opens with a beautiful rendition of "As Time Goes By" (which pianist George Cables didn't know how to play until Gordon taught it to him). Then Gordon takes off on John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" performing it about as well as Coltrane ever did. Next up is the sexy "Tanya" which is described aptly in the liner notes as "a funky two o'clock-in-the-morning tune, full of that hour when the girls have all gone home, and men are nursing whiskey at the bar, and your favorite brand is gone from the cigarette machine". No doubt Gordon knew that feeling all too well and captured it perfectly in this sone.
Rounding out the set are Cables composition "I Told You So", the classic "Body and Soul" which still seems fresh in Gordon's hands. "LTD" and bonus tracks of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" and the classic "Secret Love".
The CD also boasts the original liner notes as well as personal reflections from pianist George Cables which offers additional insight into how this brilliant album came into being.
The only drawback is that Sony decided to copy protect the material which means it can't be easily ripped to a computer or loaded onto an IPod. In addition, in order to play the CD on a computer you have to use their media player (included on the CD).
Despite it's technological shortcomings, it's still a must-have for any serious jazz fan. If you haven't had the opportunity to get to know Dexter Gordon's incredible talent, Manhattan Symphonie is a great place to start.
edited:ME
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Haven't heard this one, though I'm familiar with Homecoming and a lot of Gordon's studio sets. I don't know if you're familiar with the original Tanya, on Blue Note (the album is One Flight Up), but if you are do you think this live recording works better than the original studio piece?
2 - Daddypundit
I haven't heard the original recording of Tanya but this version is quite good.