Dexter Gordon: Willow Weep for Me

One of the high points of Dexter Gordons 15-year self-imposed exile from the U.S. is this Parisian collaboration with fellow American masters Bud Powell and Kenny Clarke, and French bassist Pierre Michelot. Willow Weep for Me is especially worth noting due to Gordons reputation for beautiful ballad playing. This solo presents his ability to improvise introspective, delicate solos while maintaining his forceful, spacious sound. Powell is in fine form here in both his accompaniment and solo roles, this marking one of his last performances before his detrimental return to New York and untimely death shortly thereafter (July 1966).