Search - Dexter Gordon :: Bopland: Legendary Elks Club Concert L.A. 1947

Great stuff

Henry S. Brent | Marietta, GA USA | 07/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not enough I can say about this. It's as if you are right there while it is all happening, it takes you back and lets your really know what is meant by "back in the day"-- when artists hung it all out on the line and blew for the sheer fun and craft of it. A lot of mutual respect can be heard between the artists and the joy they are having by taking all the space in the world to play their solos. Highly recommended."

BOPLAND-Dexter Gordon and others

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 11/17/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Three discs which make up almost three hours of music. Digitally remastered with the noise reduction system used judiciously. The sound itself suffers from initial recording problems ,to occasional musicians being off-mic. The sound is a bit flat,but is very acceptable. After saying the above,I would have to say if you like/love jazz,and want to hear the beginnings of hard-bop jazz on the West Coast-buy this.



In one package you have the entire concert/dance the way it was played. Some of the music was not recorded-the stylus was simply lifted off the acetate discs,for whatever reason,however,it's not missed. What there is,is a good look at jazz in Los Angeles in the late 1940's. There are several bands that consist of a revolving group of players. People like Howard McGhee-trumpet,Sonny Criss-alto sax,Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray-tenor saxes,Barney Kessel-guitar,Hampton Hawes and Russ Freeman-pianos,plus several others who make up some swinging groups. Be aware that a lot of the unreleased material is very short and doesn't really add a great deal to the music. Saying that,it's nice to have it all in one place because it gives a real feel for the times.



The tracks of most interest are quite lengthy-13-21 minutes or so in length. The booklet notes break down the solos on these pieces so that the listener will know without a doubt who's playing. This is ideal and I wish it was done in more instances. It's amazing to think that Dexter Gordon was in his twenties,along with several others,when this was recorded. The contrast between the younger players and the older,more traditional players gives the music a real appeal because the merging of styles came together in such a fine way.



The booklet is informative in giving the listener a bit of insight into the era in which this music was recorded. The graphics on the packaging too,are in keeping with the era. All in all,a very nice package. This is one of those instances where good jazz,combined with historical interest comes together to make a set of significance-it should be more well known."

Very, very exciting

L. Topper | 10/30/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This set catches Dexter in an early exciting phase of his playing. He has always been really special. There was a lot of write ups of Dexter Gordon's duels with Wardell Gray. You just did not get the feel of it from their duel record which came from a couple of 78's.



When you hear the audience greet Wardell Gray, they are reasonably enthusiastic and welcoming. When Dexter Gordon is announced, the crowd goes crazy. The set it worth it just for the moment when Dexter is announced. For a moment, you are really going back in time when Dexter was really cutting his teeth.



The music is fine. It is a jam session with all of the sloppiness of an unrehearsed session, but with all of the excitement of the unknown and surprise.



This is a set worth having, but it is really for collectors and specialists. Fans that heard Dexter in the 1970's during his American comeback when he was playing with a modern, post-bop rhythm section with players of extraordinary technique and facility may be disappointed.



If you want to hear Dexter with a modern band (George Duke, Rufus Reid, and Eddie Gladden) in a club mileau with virtuoisity and flare to spare, buy Dexter Gordon at the Both/And Club. The sound is not perfect. Apparently, George Duke rescued the tape from obscurity and decrepidness, but it is a hell of a ride."