Jazz
This beautifully remastered CD is a joy for those of us who are too young to have enjoyed this musical genius during the 50s. My favorites are the slower tunes "Darn that Dream" and "Autumn in New York". The other four selections have a be-bop feel to them and are great, but you won't be playing this CD during a romantic interlude. Also, be warned: Whoever printed the song list put #3 as "You Can Depend on Me" when it's actually "Darn that Dream"
By Evan Cummings.
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"Daddy Plays The Horn," besides the name of one of the tunes in this album, stands for Dexter Gordon playing his tenor sax as if there were no tomorrow. Playing is not really the right word, as he does anything but dally: a sampling of any track on this record will prove that he means business. The formula used on this date is rather simple; one swinging tenor blowing at length with a rhythm section that is a joy to hear. Happily, the formula works after all, a "daddy o" tenor like Dexter Gordon and a rhythm section that brings joy can't go too far wrong.
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During a period of Dexter Gordon's (tenor sax) life — when he was deep in the throws of chronic drug addiction — the artist was miraculously able to reignite his career during the latter part of 1955. After several years of being out of the spotlight, Gordon resurfaced on the Big Apple-based indie Bethlehem imprint with the half-dozen sides that comprise Daddy Plays the Horn (1956). Joining him as key constituents of the credited Dexter Gordon Quartet are Kenny Drew (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), and Larry Marable (drums). While the support team provides Gordon top-notch contributions throughout, it is unquestionably Drew who offers the most in terms of active interaction and his prominence can not be overstated. Nowhere is that as noticeable as the good-natured interaction heard on the disc's opener, the Gordon-penned title composition "Daddy Plays the Horn." In fact it could be argued that Drew enhances the tenor to the point of practically being a co-leader. The update of Charlie "Bird" Parker's bop standard "Confirmation" is taken at a steady mid-tempo pace, allowing plenty of room for the participants to have their say and not get in the way of the melody. Gordon seems considerably more relaxed and comfortable as he spreads line upon line of inspired improvisation. Drew is once again a real treat to hear briefly taking charge of the rhythm section. The pair of ballads on Daddy Plays the Horn are nothing short of stellar and stand as simple, emotive expressions unto themselves. "Darn That Dream" embraces the warmth of Gordon's tenor as his sensual phrasing leaves just enough space for Drew to sonically bridge the gap with his own unhurried and stylish chords. The generically monikered "Number Four" is anything but ordinary. The Gordon original jumps right from the opening and the ensemble lets loose with equally solid licks beneath his cool tone. Drew gets in the driver's seat missing nary a measure to reveal what could easily be his most tasteful contributions to date. The same can be said of bassist Vinnegar, who is briefly spotlighted on an efficient (if not somewhat sparse) solo. "Autumn in New York" — the album's other essential ballad — is proof that despite Gordon's addiction, he had retained his singular and precious sense of lyricism. Indeed, the Great American Songbook entry has rarely been permeated in such a meaningful way. The seamless transitions between Gordon and Drew are further evidence of their undeniable bond. Saving what may be the best example of the gathered instrumentalists flexing their respective be-bop muscle, "You Can Depend on Me" rounds out the platter with a bang. Each bandmember gets a final opportunity to shine — which they individually take full advantage of. In 2005, the Shout! Factory label reissued Daddy Plays the Horn, placing the six selections in the correct running order, and the digital remastering by Randy Perry has the classic sounding better than ever.
By Lindsay Planer. AMG.
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Dexter Gordon- (Renor Sax)
Kenny Drew- (Piano)
Leroy Vinnegar- (Pass)
Larry Marable- (Drums)
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01. Number Four (Gordon) 9:08
02. Autumn in New Yrok (Duke) 7:50
03. You Can Depend on Me (Carpenter, Dunlap, Hines) 4:21
04. Daddy Plays the Horn (Gordon) 4:51
05. Confirmation (Parker) 6:30
06. Darn That Dream (DeLange, VanHeusen) 8:59
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