For about half a century Gordon churned out some of the best tenor sax around. This is his most popular record still in print. Those who go for Go! will discover all the energetic spine and bristle that make this man's boppin' a joy to behold. Sonny Clark's piano provides capable support on a solid effort from start to finish. Recommended.
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The Bridge Sonny Rollins 1962 [RCA Bluebird]
After three years in self-imposed exile, Rollins returned with this impressive comeback effort. Ostensibly named for the time he spent "practising" on the Williamsburg Bridge, the record features a non-traditional quartet with guitarist Jim Hall. The riveting hard bop includes standout tracks 'Without a Song' and 'God Bless the Child'.
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Page One Joe Henderson 1963 [Blue Note]
A popular hard bop set, the album's six tracks were all penned by either Henderson or trumpeter Kenny Dorham. This was Henderson's first hit-out as a leader, made soon after he was discharged from military service. Latin rhythms hum on standout track 'Recorda-Me', with Dorham compositions 'Blue Bossa' and 'La Mesha' also strong.
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Our Man In Paris Dexter Gordon 1963 [Blue Note]
The "Three Bosses" - pianist Bud Powell, bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Kenny Clarke - help out on this terrific set of bop standards. Recorded soon after Gordon had moved to Europe, the tenor is in typically fine form - especially on 'Night In Tunisia'. Gordon shows his indebtedness to tenor greats Lester Young and Johnny Hodges.
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Speak No Evil Wayne Shorter 1964 [Blue Note]
One listen and it is obvious Shorter's tag as just another Coltrane clone was wide of the mark. Evil features a swag of the tenor's highly inventive originals, his saxophone managing the occasional angular diversion without ever losing an innate sense of melody. Pianist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard shine throughout.
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Inner Urge Joe Henderson 1964 [Blue Note]
The somewhat pessimistic tones are in stark contrast to the wonderful Page One, but just as delectably mesmerising. Ostensibly all about being a struggling jazz musician, the other performer looking for a voice of his own here is pianist McCoy Tyner. The title track and 'Isotope' - both Henderson originals - are absolutely riveting.
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Contours Sam Rivers 1965 [Blue Note]
Unheralded avant-garde luminary currently enjoying a surge of renewed interest in his early work. Contours is generally credited with marking the tenor's transition from hard bop to his new sound, although most modern listeners will probably find it fairly tame. The stellar support includes Freddie Hubbard and Herbie Hancock.
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Endgame Brilliance Sonny Stitt 1972 [Muse]
Endgame Brilliance is made up of two albums recorded for the Muse label in the first half of 1972 - Tune Up! and Constellation. The two fit together nicely, so it really doesn't matter that they appear back to front on the CD. The record consists of 15 straight-ahead bop tracks, with saxophonist Stitt backed by one of his better support outfits.
