Requisites

Nights At The Keystone ~ Dexter Gordon | By Eddie Carter

Dexter Gordon’s return to the United States generated significant excitement among his fans. After his triumphant return to the Village Vanguard and his 1976 performance, which produced the album Homecoming, he began touring regularly. This morning’s album from the library features the tenor saxophonist and his quartet at one of San Francisco’s notable jazz clubs. Nights At The Keystone (Blue Note BABB-85112) is a two-record set documenting his performances over several nights in 1978 and 1979 at the Keystone Korner. George Cables on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, and Eddie Gladden on drums round out the group. The copy I own is the 1985 U.S. stereo release.

The album opens with the quartet’s tender rendition of Sophisticated Lady by Duke Ellington. Dexter introduces the song with a dreamy melody, which he sustains with remarkable sensitivity in his opening statement. George’s subsequent solo evokes a bygone era of innocence and joy. Dexter returns to add a few final gentle thoughts before the closing ensemble and audience’s applause. Gordon speaks to the audience and introduces It’s You or No One by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn. The quartet launches into a spirited theme, then Gordon takes charge on the first solo, soaring into the stratosphere. Cables tackles the following solo at a brisk pace, then Gordon trades lively choruses with Gladden, paving the way for a swift return to the theme and a spirited finish.

The rhythm section opens Dexter Gordon’s Antabus with an energetic introduction. The quartet then is off to the races with a brisk melody. Dexter ignites the opening interpretation with fiery tenor saxophone lines. George continues cooking with agility in the following statement, then Dex takes the reins again briefly before the quartet takes the song out. Easy Living by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin comes from the 1937 film of the same name and slows the ensemble down for the pianist’s introduction, segueing to the quartet’s gentle theme. Dexter’s opening statement is sure to melt all the tension in your body away with delicacy and tender warmth. Cables responds with a deceptively elegant approach that picks up the pace to midtempo ahead of Gordon’s return for the theme’ restatement and ending.

The tempo moves upward again to begin side three with the quartet’s lively version of Tangerine by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger. The rhythm section provides a lush foundation for Dexter’s melody to flow comfortably at an easy beat. Dexter takes the spotlight first with a down-home, soulful flavor that swings from the first note to the finale. George has the next spot and makes his presence felt preceding the closing chorus. More Than You Know by Vincent Youmans, Edward Eliscu, and Billy Rose begins with the group’s elegantly graceful introduction and melody. Gordon again shows off his sentimental side with a hauntingly tender lead solo. Cables steps up next for a short, serene statement that builds as it unfolds. Gordon has the final say ahead of the group’s gorgeous finale.

Side Four concludes the album with Come Rain or Come Shine, by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, giving everyone a lengthy solo. The quartet’s medium tempo sets the song’s introduction and opening chorus in motion. Dexter is up first with a neatly paced stroll, then George delivers a splendid performance. Rufus walks with a soulful groove next, and Dexter and Eddie engage in a brief exchange before the quartet’s return and finale. Todd Barkan produced Nights at the Keystone, and Rich McKean managed the recording console. Malcolm Addey was the mixing engineer, and Rudy Van Gelder mastered the album.

The sound quality of this live album is exceptional, truly capturing the ambiance of Keystone Korner and offering an impressive soundstage that highlights The Dexter Gordon Quartet at their finest. If you’re searching for a top-notch live performance by one of jazz’s legendary tenor saxophonists, Nights at the Keystone by Dexter Gordon is well worth checking out during your next visit to the record store. It spotlights the tenor saxophonist in peak form, blending technical brilliance, improvisational flair, and deep musical chemistry throughout the set!

~ Homecoming (Columbia PG 34650) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Come Rain or Come Shine, Easy Living, More Than You Know, Tangerine – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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