The thing that struck me about Dexter, much like Miles, was while I was watching "Round Midnight", I noticed that the way he walked, talked, dressed, and his facial expressions- basically everything about the guy- all was exactly like his sound and style. When you saw him and heard him speak, you knew exactly how his sax playing would sound. Such a huge laid back sound. Even his uptempo be-bop playing sounds like he was leisurely walking in a park. The entire building could be panicking, trying to escape a fire, and Dexter would saunter gracefully out the exit with a serene smile on his face.
Big Dexter fan here- it would be interesting to hear about the difficulties the Billy Eckstein band encountered, being a black band on tour, looking for restaurants, hotels, etc. I've heard a lot of disturbing stories about problems Duke Ellington had. Hard to face up to these stories- this is our history, disgrace or not.
I had the privilege of catching Dexter several times at The Jazz Showcase, where he performed with 2-3 other "tuff tenors" booked for the same session by jazz promoter Joe Segal (founded the club in 1946 and died just last year 2020). I never saw Dexter bested in a battle--by the "perfect" Sonny Stitt or altissimo-swinger Lockjaw Davis or soulful Gene "Jug" Ammons. Dexter was the master storyteller, sculpting notes in hard metal, each note played as though there could be no other, the most definitive improviser I've ever heard. He knew lyrics and didn't underestimate their importance, usually reciting at least one for each session. No other player represented this African-American art form more faithfully than "Long Tall" (or "LT"), though it's hard to associate the success of today's rappers with the deprived, struggling black artists Dexter describes (I certainly saw them in the '70s -- until Wynton M. was appointed head of the jazz Taj Mahal in NYC, too late for Dexter to receive his full due. The clip of "Mr. B" shows him singing his own song, "I Want to Talk About You," which occupied Coltrane throughout the '60s, rec. w Red Garland, and '60s, rec. on "J.C. Quartet at Birdland"--with the incredible cadenza on the penultimate note of the final chorus).
Technically the modern tenor sax, the link between lester young, coleman hawkings and rollins and trane. He started on the bebop era, same as bird, disappeared for much of the 50s for abuse problems and resureccted in the 60. Take 3 albums: "our man in paris", "dexter calling" and "go" and you have total masterpieces of jazz music. At the highest possible level. The way he created solos as full dialogues is out of this world. One of my all time favourites.
Just came across this documentary. It brought back memories of my time at the Village Vanguard when Dexter was playing. One thing I heard was a version of "Body and Soul" that was a most beautiful rendition that I later checked out Dexter and others on record but never found a version that equaled it. It was just a week night club date but even so, this gorgeous "Body and Soul" just flowed out of him. I still remember parts of his solo.
Dex had the most impact besides Trane on my musical world to this day. He was interesting, unique, and would have been a wonderful person to have been able to meet. I wish he were still with us. This is a fantastic documentary. Thanks.
Dexter Gordon continues to be a big influence on me. I play his music at work quite often. People who do & don't know about "the music" dig it. There is no such thing as "too many notes".
I saw 'Round Midnight' in Kansas City during a field trip for my job. I was watching Dexter Gordon, but felt Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and so many other musicians were having their story told. I'm glad the movie was done because it introduced a whole generation to Gordon and the bebop era of jazz. This documentary helps tell that story as well.
I remember playing at a jam session one night at Sonny's Place on Long Island when I heard about Dexter's death. It's like how everybody of the generation remembers what they were doing when JFK was killed, or on 9/11.. Every jazz musician in 1990 remembers their own circumstances at the time of Dex's death. Superb player-- relaxed, loping, but totally in control-- I love his quoting of standards-- I try to do that in my own playing...I think we are all influenced by Dexter in some way. RIP.
Geez...being a younger jazz musician in my 20s, I didn't even think about his death like that. You put that into perspective very well. What a monumental loss for the jazz community
@@jackshore3735 Oh yes indeed!!! Watch the brilliant movie Herbie Hancock wrote the score, Dexter starred in it.. ‘Round Midnight’ 🎶🎷💖🙏🏼 Playing along with Dexter in my early days, was such an overwhelming, all encompassing, completely engrossing experience for me. There are no words to describe the feeling.
He was always out there - perhaps the first Tenor Sax player to use the medium of music to express direct Honesty to his audience. He influenced and was also somewhat indirectly influenced by John Coltrane. He was the man that used the Tenor Sax with technical genius to express the possibilities of the Tenor Saxophone. Dexter perhaps was the musician in the 1960's to express the Black experience in the most direct way to both African American and White audiences.
Trane said that Dexter was a chief influencer of his development. He wanted to play like Dexter, but” he could not”., so he had to find another avenue to find his true voice.
Never forget greeting Mr Gordon during the Summer of 1979 in Harlem NYC on St. Nicholas Avenue and 117th Street. He was in attendance at one of the traveling Jazz Mobile concerts that the city sponsored at the time featuring Miss Etta Jones and Mr Johnny Griffin. I was in total awe of him and couldn't believe I was in his presence. He had the pleasure of being surrounded by a bevy of lovely ladies! That impressed me also(smile) Such a humble gentleman and artiste! Pure class!
I want to thank you for providing this opportunity to view Dexter Gordon documentary. What a great musican! I can listen to any of his songs and hear it new every time. God bless you Mr. Gordon and his beautiful wife.
Harrison, when you "Swing" you supposed to hit One Home Run Out of the Park. I think you just hit a 100 home runs out of the park with this video. Thank you for sharing this valuable piece of history.
A very enjoyable experience. Dexter Gordon's music and his personal style bring happiness to me. I have watched a wonderful movie starring Dexter, Round Midnight, from 1986, which I believe all who enjoy this documentary will find to be an enriching experience. Thanks to the poster for this.
what a marvel that we can share all this great stuff. I love Dexter, there's this whole other thing goin on, woven inbetween the tone and the timing that just kills me. Thanks for posting.
I love him also. By the way incase you did not know that Dex was like some kind of master of inserting quotes from other tunes songs etc. it’s like an art in itself. An art within an art.
Without Mr. D. Gordon and his contemporaries life for a lot of us in those days would have been a much more severe and ugly thing overall. They really lit the way for art and civilization, maybe not as it is, but as it should be. It's just amazing that they were able to become such far advanced and distinguished artists when the order of the day presented an overabundance of obstacles that defeated so many other men.
very well,dexter rules. a huge man. his voice and his leopard jacket are classic. but do we really need this 'aimersoft' - logo in the center of the film? boy or girl: rip the movies you steal with some dignity ... just pretend ...
i remember seeing 'round midnight' -- i was in amsterdam and it was a strange feeling watching the story in paris and new york and then getting out of the cinema to amsterdam... shame there is nothing in the film about karin krog who worked with him.... i can still hear my very much wasted record shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh dexter and her and the band going 'some other spring'...
Song is title of the doc -------^^^^^^&I/m eternally yours DG^^^^^^^^^ "makes no difference where you are because I am sooo eternally yours" is not in the lyrics its delivery is true emotiion. we'll recognize ea other on the Astral Plane & or future life/lives as in Portugal 1967.
airmersoft does a nice job. did you go for it? is this a direct url link or a screen capture? Everybody has alread said what needs to be said re Dexter. good stuff....
I've transcribed nearly 100 Dexter solos over 25 years are so. I wanted to be just like him when I was 11. I still felt the same when I was 30!
I love his language, so melodic yet so energetic
The thing that struck me about Dexter, much like Miles, was while I was watching "Round Midnight", I noticed that the way he walked, talked, dressed, and his facial expressions- basically everything about the guy- all was exactly like his sound and style. When you saw him and heard him speak, you knew exactly how his sax playing would sound. Such a huge laid back sound. Even his uptempo be-bop playing sounds like he was leisurely walking in a park. The entire building could be panicking, trying to escape a fire, and Dexter would saunter gracefully out the exit with a serene smile on his face.
skotrock What an interesting observation.
Heroin will do that to you!
OMGosh, I came to the comment section to say similar. Whilst Gordon was being interviewed, his voice sounds like a tenor sax!!
exactly - truly authentic
Dex and Clint sauntered as they strolled!
Big Dexter fan here- it would be interesting to hear about the difficulties the Billy Eckstein band encountered, being a black band on tour, looking for restaurants, hotels, etc. I've heard a lot of disturbing stories about problems Duke Ellington had. Hard to face up to these stories- this is our history, disgrace or not.
I had the privilege of catching Dexter several times at The Jazz Showcase, where he performed with 2-3 other "tuff tenors" booked for the same session by jazz promoter Joe Segal (founded the club in 1946 and died just last year 2020). I never saw Dexter bested in a battle--by the "perfect" Sonny Stitt or altissimo-swinger Lockjaw Davis or soulful Gene "Jug" Ammons. Dexter was the master storyteller, sculpting notes in hard metal, each note played as though there could be no other, the most definitive improviser I've ever heard.
He knew lyrics and didn't underestimate their importance, usually reciting at least one for each session. No other player represented this African-American art form more faithfully than "Long Tall" (or "LT"), though it's hard to associate the success of today's rappers with the deprived, struggling black artists Dexter describes (I certainly saw them in the '70s -- until Wynton M. was appointed head of the jazz Taj Mahal in NYC, too late for Dexter to receive his full due. The clip of "Mr. B" shows him singing his own song, "I Want to Talk About You," which occupied Coltrane throughout the '60s, rec. w Red Garland, and '60s, rec. on "J.C. Quartet at Birdland"--with the incredible cadenza on the penultimate note of the final chorus).
Oh please write more somewhere…. Living memory and knowledge such a rare entity
Technically the modern tenor sax, the link between lester young, coleman hawkings and rollins and trane. He started on the bebop era, same as bird, disappeared for much of the 50s for abuse problems and resureccted in the 60. Take 3 albums: "our man in paris", "dexter calling" and "go" and you have total masterpieces of jazz music. At the highest possible level. The way he created solos as full dialogues is out of this world. One of my all time favourites.
Yes glad to see he is among the jazz gods pantheon of another! Love my Benny Carter, Sonny Rollins and Dexter
Great observations. Would add "Doin Alright" to that list for a fourth masterpiece!
"One flight up" has to be on that list too! Tanya Jean is a standard.
Phrasing and articulation are a lesson for every post-bebop jazz player
I gotta say Dex, Hank Mobley, Tina Brooks, and Rouse.
Just came across this documentary. It brought back memories of my time at the Village Vanguard when Dexter was playing. One thing I heard was a version of "Body and Soul" that was a most beautiful rendition that I later checked out Dexter and others on record but never found a version that equaled it. It was just a week night club date but even so, this gorgeous "Body and Soul" just flowed out of him. I still remember parts of his solo.
Some jazz musicians play to the ear some play to the heart Dexter plays to the soul
And I will add to the spirit.
Amen!
Dex had the most impact besides Trane on my musical world to this day. He was interesting, unique, and would have been a wonderful person to have been able to meet. I wish he were still with us. This is a fantastic documentary. Thanks.
Dex moved to Denmark not necessarily for political reason but for economic reasons. Jazz music's popularity remained unabated after the early-1950s.
Dexter Gordon continues to be a big influence on me. I play his music at work quite often. People who do & don't know about "the music" dig it. There is no such thing as "too many notes".
I love the way he presents the pieces he's about to play.
I saw 'Round Midnight' in Kansas City during a field trip for my job. I was watching Dexter Gordon, but felt Charlie Parker, Lester Young, and so many other musicians were having their story told. I'm glad the movie was done because it introduced a whole generation to Gordon and the bebop era of jazz. This documentary helps tell that story as well.
Absolutely 🎷
My G’pa sang and played dbl bass, my Dad is still a Bbop pianist and I play sax and sing.
I’ve always felt so very blessed 🤗
That tone. Dexter was the man.
I remember playing at a jam session one night at Sonny's Place on Long Island when I heard about Dexter's death. It's like how everybody of the generation remembers what they were doing when JFK was killed, or on 9/11.. Every jazz musician in 1990 remembers their own circumstances at the time of Dex's death. Superb player-- relaxed, loping, but totally in control-- I love his quoting of standards-- I try to do that in my own playing...I think we are all influenced by Dexter in some way. RIP.
RIP🌿⚜⚘🎷
Geez...being a younger jazz musician in my 20s, I didn't even think about his death like that. You put that into perspective very well. What a monumental loss for the jazz community
@@jackshore3735 Oh yes indeed!!!
Watch the brilliant movie Herbie Hancock wrote the score, Dexter starred in it.. ‘Round Midnight’ 🎶🎷💖🙏🏼
Playing along with Dexter in my early days, was such an overwhelming, all encompassing, completely engrossing experience for me. There are no words to describe the feeling.
He was always out there - perhaps the first Tenor Sax player to use the medium of music to express direct Honesty to his audience. He influenced and was also somewhat indirectly influenced by John Coltrane. He was the man that used the Tenor Sax with technical genius to express the possibilities of the Tenor Saxophone. Dexter perhaps was the musician in the 1960's to express the Black experience in the most direct way to both African American and White audiences.
Yes❣️
Trane said that Dexter was a chief influencer of his development. He wanted to play like Dexter, but” he could not”., so he had to find another avenue to find his true voice.
Never forget greeting Mr Gordon during the Summer of 1979 in Harlem NYC on St. Nicholas Avenue and 117th Street. He was in attendance at one of the traveling Jazz Mobile concerts that the city sponsored at the time featuring Miss Etta Jones and Mr Johnny Griffin. I was in total awe of him and couldn't believe I was in his presence. He had the pleasure of being surrounded by a bevy of lovely ladies! That impressed me also(smile) Such a humble gentleman and artiste! Pure class!
The grandmaster of the ballad. I would say the best and brightest of his generation playing the ballad
Hear-Hear!
Round Midnight introduced me to Dexter Gordon's music. I am so thankful for that movie. And this documentary.
I want to thank you for providing this opportunity to view Dexter Gordon documentary. What a great musican! I can listen to any of his songs and hear it new every time. God bless you Mr. Gordon and his beautiful wife.
Another unsung hero from the vault. Great to hear first-hand accounts. Stay safe all.
Dexter Gordon, one if my many favorite Jazz Musician that I had admired coming up. Amazing & Talented Brother.
Beautiful -- Dexter truly is a Jazz legend and icon - a musician's musician if there ever was one.
I remember. Dexter playing in San Sebastian and singing an old spanish tune" Desiderio, Desiderio, siempre triste y siempre serio..."....
Wow thank you for sharing that piece on Dexter.. truly one of America greatest gifts to the world.. thank u Dexter!!
MUSIC!!!!! Enjoyed seeing and hearing and the ride.Thanks.
Pop! If your listening in heaven, i want you to know, to the man of my heart, i love you more than you know! R.i.p.
Harrison, when you "Swing" you supposed to hit One Home Run Out of the Park. I think you just hit a 100 home runs out of the park with this video. Thank you for sharing this valuable piece of history.
You're welcome! Thanks for keeping the memory of Dexter Gordon alive!
Dexter's music is truly "soulful."
I got hipped to Dexter Gordon around 1972, via Ed Beach's WRVR show, "Just Jazz."
precious informations of Jazz history
A very enjoyable experience. Dexter Gordon's music and his personal style bring happiness to me. I have watched a wonderful movie starring Dexter, Round Midnight, from 1986, which I believe all who enjoy this documentary will find to be an enriching experience. Thanks to the poster for this.
Every musician needs to see this to truly understand the experiences and life of a musician at this time.
what a marvel that we can share all this great stuff. I love Dexter, there's this whole other thing goin on, woven inbetween the tone and the timing that just kills me. Thanks for posting.
What a natural! I have learned so much from listening to his music. Many many thank!
Beautiful. Thank you so much for posting!
Thanks for putting this up.
Much love.
Fantastic upload, thank you very very much.
Indeed, an excellent doc. A great history lesson, too. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this!!!!
my favorite, thanks for upload
Oh, bless you for this upload. Thank you.
very beautiful upload !
Thanks
Coolness in person.
Excellent documentary .loved seeing Dexter ride a bike...
This is fantastic.
Wonderful. Thank God for the Danish to appreciate Dexter.
THEY R THE GREAT DANES ...w Big Capppps .....
My favorite period with Dexter is that opening tune. So great to have video of him then.
Thanks for share Harrison. I loved to watch it and I'm almost crying, for a mix of happyness to hear him and for missing him so much.
Many thanks for Harrison Ferlauto! I like music or Dexter Gordon so much,there for this film is very interesting for me.
I picked up the saxophone thanks to Dex and Bird.
Legendary Dexter Keith Gordon
Great Concert
Glad att finna detta!
Thank you, Mr. Ferlauto
Lord, I thank you for this documentary and thank you u tube….
Can recognize that sound anywhere :)
just brilliant
The One and ONLY LTD. A Giant of the tenor and One of the True Legends of jazz.
Love this guy.
brilliant stuff.
"Long tall Dex" was one of the top ballad players of the '60s !!
One hell of a player
This makes me appreciate him not only as a brilliant musician but as a really cool and sexy man. Wow!
Min 35:42 fwd ...Dexter ahead of his time, with his Apple watch when nobody was even dreaming about it.👊🏽😎
Dexter had the Apple watch 40+ years before it was released!!!
@@GrumpyStormtrooper 👊🏽😂🤣👍🏽
oh yeah Dexter talk about it what a voice!!!
Titan of talent, a major music man of genius.
first heard of him when I watched Round Midnight love his playing and the movie.
I've seen the movie, I've loved the movie; this is better than the movie.
i seriously don't get how someone can even dare to hit the dislike button ..
Master musician... Legend best of the best
Wow.... what a force! Saw him live in 1980 just pissed out of his head but bigger than life and amazing.
What do you mean "just pissed out of his head"?
You mean very angry?....
It probably means that he was high.
denzelsnipes69 On alcohol it's a British expression!
If there was any doubt as to Dexter's abilities, this documentary kills the skeptics on sight. AND hearing....
Grande maestro, Gracias mil ...
Thank you Dexter 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 2023 and just came across this. I remember Dexter at the Berlin Jazz Festival (1970s?) And Max Roach.
While playing "Blues Up And Down", @2:17 Dexter quotes "Three Little Words".
Mine are "I Love Dexter!"
I love him also. By the way incase you did not know that Dex was like some kind of master of inserting quotes from other tunes songs etc. it’s like an art in itself. An art within an art.
Without Mr. D. Gordon and his contemporaries life for a lot of us in those days would have been a much more severe and ugly thing overall. They really lit the way for art and civilization, maybe not as it is, but as it should be. It's just amazing that they were able to become such far advanced and distinguished artists when the order of the day presented an overabundance of obstacles that defeated so many other men.
great stuff
The language the sound the style,nobody comes close!
happy birthday dexter
man he was cooler than cool!
U can't play like that and be square 😎🔥❤
Dexter Gordon placed Scandinavian Jazz to the world. Israel and Denmark 🇩🇰 is leading the new creative revolution in Jazz Music in 2024
Dexter like Miles can be cool and delicate but still can swing.
Cet film est trés fantastique!!!
one of a Kind
very well,dexter rules. a huge man. his voice and his leopard jacket are classic.
but do we really need this 'aimersoft' - logo in the center of the film?
boy or girl: rip the movies you steal with some dignity ... just pretend ...
Yes, the logo is so distracting. They could have put it in the lower right or left corner.
Merci beacoup harrison pour le partager
Brilliant portrait of a great musician. Sad to see his gradual decline though, the drink definitely took its toll as the years went on.
Nice..
prelijepo nice
i remember seeing 'round midnight' -- i was in amsterdam and it was a strange feeling watching the story in paris and new york and then getting out of the cinema to amsterdam...
shame there is nothing in the film about karin krog who worked with him....
i can still hear my very much wasted record shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh dexter and her and the band going 'some other spring'...
Thank you. But, please buy full version of Aimersoft!
No such thing as too much Long Tall- thank you, HarrisonFerlauto.
🙏🏾
Wow that focused clarinet sound from 6:40-7:10!!! Has he been listening to Buddy Defranco?
That’s not Dexter…
Song is title of the doc -------^^^^^^&I/m eternally yours DG^^^^^^^^^
"makes no difference where you are because I am sooo eternally yours" is not in
the lyrics its delivery is true emotiion.
we'll recognize ea other on the Astral Plane & or future life/lives as in Portugal 1967.
Jumpin' with Symphony Sid
Does anyone have a link or the name of the piece Lester Young is playing around 5:05?
Seria muy bueno poner subtitulos en Españos tambien..
airmersoft does a nice job. did you go for it? is this a direct url link or a screen capture? Everybody has alread said what needs to be said re Dexter. good stuff....
Dexter ❤ un monstre ,un génie !
♥️♥️♥️