Dexter Gordon: 'Round Midnight

Due in large part to the concluding chapter of Ken Burnss engaging yet contentious documentary Jazz, the return of Dexter Gordon to the United States (after 14 years of living in Europe) has gradually become an iconic moment in the history of modern jazz. While there has always been brilliant jazz being performed since the musics creation nearly a century ago, the late 1970s may have been a time when many jazz fans were nostalgic for the bebop and post-bop giants who had dominated the jazz clubs in decades past. Dexter Gordons triumphant return set at the Vanguard satiated some of those desires with an exciting set of music backed by Woody Shaws working quartet. Dexter is clearly impacted by his reception and plays especially emotionally and intensely on this Monk classic.