Sophisticated Giant

Dexter Gordon was born on February 27, 1923/


I can't let this day pass without celebrating Dexter Gordon, one of my favorite jazz musicians.

Smooth, cool, and sophisticated, Dexter's music could enflame the passions while chilling the blues. He could lift up the heart while casting down the troubles. In short, the soulful sounds of his saxophone were transcendent.

Listen.

"Don't Explain" from A Swingin' Affair (1962)

Enjoy!!!

Somethin' Else

Julian Edwin "Cannonball" Adderley, jazz alto saxophonist, was born on September 15, 1928.


Cannonball Adderley was one of my favorite jazz musicians. His 1958 record, Somethin' Else, is definitely in my Top Five Jazz Albums. His rendition of "Autumn Leaves" with Miles Davis is one of the essential works of the jazz repertoire.

Sadly, Cannonball passed away at the young age of 46 years. His soulful, blues-inspired playing and his distinct, imaginative compositional style promised great things to come, but it wasn't to be. However, we can be grateful for the fine music that he left us in his short but prolific musical career.

Cannonball Adderley from the cover of Know What I Mean? (1961)

Let's listen to some music.