Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Dexter Gordon • “It’s You Or No One” transcription

From the Blue Note recording Doin’ Allright, recorded May 6, 1961.

PDF
Dexter Gordon
It's You Or No One
transcription
Doin’ Allright was a comeback album for Dexter Gordon, who'd more or less vanished from the scene for nearly a decade, a result of what the jazz press euphemistically called "personal problems." It marked the beginning of a long and fruitful association with Blue Note, and although Dex was soon to leave the U.S. for what he hoped would be greener pastures in Europe, the Blue Note recordings quickly reaffirmed his place among the greatest hard bop saxophonists.

It’s You Or No One features all of Dexter’s strengths: his robust sound, his back-of-the-beat time feel, along with what might be considered to be totally "in the pocket," perfect bop lines (sometimes nearly too perfect, perhaps: measures 31-34 and 63-66 are identical!).


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2 comments:

  1. I was listening to the track on Spotify and was just amazed at how perfectly formed the lines are. Crazy construction. They roll out beautifully and, as you point out, always languidly, no matter the tempo. Wonderful

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Pearson! If you haven't already, check out the other Dexter solo on my blog -- http://harderbop.blogspot.com/2011/02/dexter-gordon-there-will-never-be.html -- for Dexter's very fine amble through There Will Never Be Another You...

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