BLAU RECORDS has added to its catalogue, with a nod to Dexter Gordon from two musicians separated by generations. The pianist Kirk Lightsey (Detroit, 1938) has played with Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Stitt, Louis Stewart and Kenny Burrell and for the Chet Baker Quintet. He was part of Gordon's own quartet from 1979 to 1983. Saxophonist Bob Sands (N.Y. 1966), following in the wake of the bop greats, has worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan and Clark Terry. On this recording they are accompanied by the rhythmic duo of Ignasi González on bass and Jo Krause on drums. The real treasure though here, is the repertoire. "Cheesecake", a sweet delicacy of Gordon’s was recorded in a quartet in 1964 with Tete Montoliu on piano. Jimmy Van Heusen's “I Thought About You” evokes the meeting of Stan Getz and Kenny Barron until the sax unfolds in true Gordon mode, and Lightsey’s counterpoint of a precious solo. “Backstairs” is a fast-time blues written by the sax giant - Dexter was 198 cm tall - that our pianist recorded with his quartet in 1981 and gives the four musicians the chance to show their superb skills between the 12 bars. The session closes with "It Could Happen to You", again an original by Van Heusen, performed here at its best. Somewhere, Dexter is smiling. Bravo!
Bob Bebop
Having Dexter at the Jamboree made us recall the spirit of Tete, in what was his home, and where, together, they shared so many magical evenings of jazz. And with the addition of Ignasi González, Jordi Suñol and Joan Mas we were able to relive the magic and great memory of that incredible music. Therefore, if for no other reason, this recording is both a real privilege and part of our long history.
Pere Pons, Artistic Director of Jamboree 2012-2017