Requisites

Doin’ Allright ~ Dexter Gordon | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s discussion came up after dinner a few nights ago, when I chose a few titles to play and considerreviewing for our jazz members. After listening, I’d settled on one of my favorite tenor saxophonists, Dexter Gordon. Doin’ Allright (Blue Note BLP 4077/BST 84077) was released in 1961 and is his Blue Note debut, celebrating his comeback from personal struggles and incarceration. The album showcases Gordon at his very best, backed by Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Horace Parlan on piano, George Tucker on bass, and Al Harewood on drums. I own the 1992 Toshiba-EMI Japanese Stereo reissue in the Blue Note 4000 Series Ultra Collection, sharing the original catalog number.

The album opens with a classic by George and Ira Gershwin, I Was Doin’ All Right. The quintet gets things going with an easy medium groove on the melody. Dexter makes a relaxed entrance for the first solo, followed by Freddie, who swings smoothly and confidently in the second statement. Horace comes in last, complementing the horns with a laid-back reading before the group returns to reprise the theme and fade out gradually. You’ve Changed by Carl Fischer and Bill Carey slows down to a ballad tempo for an emotionally sensitive melody by Dexter. He continues communicating his heart and soul in the opening statement. Freddie speaks next in a warm, emotional tone, and Horace has a deeply expressive moment before the front line returns and slowly takes the song out.

Dexter’s For Members Only ends the first side with an infectious ensemble theme that gets things started. Dexter goes right to work with a relaxing opening statement. Freddie is next, swinging effortlessly with a bright tone and articulate, precise notes. Horace takes his turn last with a laid-back solo ahead of the ensemble’s restatement of the melody and close. Society Red, a funky blues by Dexter Gordon, gets the second side underway with the quintet’s easy-flowing melody. Freddie puts together the first appetizer of this soulful meal. Dexter then shares a rich, bluesy flavor, simmered to perfection, inviting the listener to savor every note. Horace adds a delightful touch of seasoning, and George adds the final ingredient, wrapping up a musical feast that feels like home ahead of the close.

It’s You or No One by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wraps up the album on a brisk note, beginning with Dexter’s introduction before the quintet’s lively theme. Dexter takes center stage first with an energetic solo. Freddie adds some bite with the second statement. Horace follows, delivering exuberant verses with an aggressive impact. George takes a short, robust walk in the fourth reading, and Al brings plenty of heat in the finale preceding the group’s return to take the song out. Alfred Lion produced the session, and Rudy Van Gelder managed the recording console. The album’s sound quality is demonstration-class, with a stunning soundstage that if you close your eyes, you’ll swear the musicians are playing right in front of your sweet spot. The front and back covers are glossy, and the record is absolutely quiet until the music starts.

If you’re in the mood for a terrific hard bop album to enjoy anytime of the day or evening, I highly recommend you check out Doin’ Allright on your next record store visit. It makes a great introduction for jazz newcomers discovering Dexter Gordon, and a title I’m sure will also please seasoned fans. It also proves that the tenor saxophonist was not only back, but definitely Doin’ Allright!

~ I Was Doin’ All Right, You’ve Changed – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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