Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordon
Dexter Gordonwas an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was among the earliest tenor players to adapt the bebop musical language of people such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell to the instrument. Gordon's height was 6 feet 6 inches, so he was also known as "Long Tall Dexter" and "Sophisticated Giant". His studio and live performance career spanned over 40 years...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSaxophonist
Date of Birth27 February 1923
CityLos Angeles, CA
CountryUnited States of America
A lot of times I go back to record and to make a tour, but I'm very happy to do it, because it gives me an opportunity to dig and hear what's going on.
In jazz, there is a lot of European influence harmonically.
Thelonius Monk was not exactly 'the guy next door'.
If I were to call it black music, that would be untrue. I don't know what that is, unless it would be some African drums or something.
Jazz to me is a living music.
To have a little recognition, that is very nice, you dig. It is good for the ego, for the psyche.
Bebop is the music of the future (as soon as they learn how to play it).
If you can't play the Blues you might as well hang it up.
Music is a reservoir... of sounds.
In nuclear war, all men are cremated equal.
What I'm doing, I prefer to call that jazz, because it is a beautiful word - I love it.
Jazz is a beautiful word. I love it.
Jazz to me is a living music. It's a music that since its beginning has expressed the feelings, the dreams, hopes, of the people.
I hope we left you with something to put under your pillows.