Dexter Gordon: Three O'Clock in the Morning

Originally a follower of Lester Young, Dexter Gordon emerged in the 1940s as a major bebop tenor saxophonist, becoming himself an influence on succeeding tenorists. Recorded shortly before Gordon began a lengthy residence in Europe, Three Oclock in the Morning finds him in great shape, swinging blithely and exhibiting his well-known penchant for playing slightly behind the beat and quoting short phrases from other tunes. The performance also features the excellent pianist Sonny Clark, who died prematurely a few months after the session.