Manhattan Symphonie

Manhattan Symphonie was recorded just two days after Dexter Gordon's legendary gigs at the Village Vanguard with his working band of pianist George Cables, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Eddie Gladden. Produced by Michael, this set captures the true mastery of Gordon at his melodic peak. Some of the fire of the earlier bebop years has mellowed but, as evidenced by the opening ballad "As Time Goes By," none of his ability to reimagine melody, his trademark phrasing, and his sheer ability to transfer emotion is missing. Cables provides a solid foil for Gordon just as he did for Art Pepper. His large chord voicings are simultaneously insistent and utterly subtle, shading the harmony with enough depth to give Gordon room to really dig into them and blow. Other standouts here include a fine read of "Body and Soul," "LTD," and the beautiful "Tanya." The 2005 Legacy CD reissue includes a previously unreleased version of "Secret Love," and a read of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear," from the Great Encounters album. Pete Hammill's fine original notes are reproduced here, and there is a short, moving essay by Cables. The sound is warm, full, and utterly true.