Dexter Gordon, the first tenor-saxophonist to master bebop (recording with Dizzy Gillespie in early 1945), had a long and productive career.
He spent much of 14 years (1962-76) living and performing in Europe where he was treated as a living legend.
His appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival on June 18, 1970 took place midway during his European years and featured him joined by the Junior Mance Trio (pianist Mance, bassist Martin Rivera and drummer Oliver Jackson).
“Fried Bananas,” Gordon’s classic line over the chord changes of “It Could Happen To You” is taken faster than usual, and includes a high-powered and energetic tenor solo along with some excellent boppish piano from Mance.
-Scott Yanow
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