Dexter Gordon - Daddy Plays The Horn - 180g Vinyl LP

180g Vinyl LP.

Reissue of the 1955 Classic featuring "Confirmation", "Autumn In New York" and "You Can Depend On Me". Dexter Gordon wasn't quite THE Dexter Gordon when he made Daddy Plays The Horn, but his unique, obtuse way of playing the saxophone and hitting his rhythm section's playing at weird, swinging angles was already fully formed for this album. Recorded in between periods of tumult and distress - he was in and out of jail with a bear of a heroin addiction - Gordon is one of the finest men to ever put a reed in his mouth, and this album - particularly "Autumn In New York" - belongs in every discerning Jazzbo's collection.

 The pair of ballads on Daddy Plays the Horn are nothing short of stellar and stand as simple, emotive expressions unto themselves. 'Darn That Dream' embraces the warmth of Gordon's tenor as his sensual phrasing leaves just enough space for Drew to sonically bridge the gap with his own unhurried and stylish chords. The generically monikered 'Number Four' is anything but ordinary. The Gordon original jumps right from the opening and the ensemble lets loose with equally solid licks beneath his cool tone. Drew gets in the driver's seat missing nary a measure to reveal what could easily be his most tasteful contributions to date. The same can be said of bassist Vinnegar, who is briefly spotlighted on an efficient (if not somewhat sparse) solo. 'Autumn in New York' - the album's other essential ballad - is proof that despite Gordon's addiction, he had retained his singular and precious sense of lyricism.

Indeed, the Great American Songbook entry has rarely been permeated in such a meaningful way. The seamless transitions between Gordon and Drew are further evidence of their undeniable bond. Saving what may be the best example of the gathered instrumentalists flexing their respective be-bop muscle, 'You Can Depend on Me' rounds out the platter with a bang. Each band member gets a final opportunity to shine - which they individually take full advantage of.

Lindsay Planer, AllMusic