Dexter Gordon Quartet - Swiss Nights, Vol. 1-3 (1980)

The first of three volumes taken from the 1975 Zurich Jazz Festival features tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon (with his reliable sidemen pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Alex Riel) stretching out on "Tenor Madness," "Wave," "You've Changed" and "Days of Wine and Roses." All of the performances are at least ten minutes long and there are some rambling moments, but in general, the music is quite rewarding. This was one of Dexter Gordon's prime periods.

The third of three CDs taken from tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon's appearances at the 1975 Zurich Jazz Festival has more variety than the other two. There are previously unissued versions of "Tenor Madness" and "Days of Wine and Roses" (the latter has a guest appearance by trumpeter Joe Newman), tender ballad renditions of "Didn't We" and "Sophisticated Lady," an effective vocal by Gordon on "Jelly Jelly," and a rollicking rendition of "Rhythm-A-Ning." With pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Alex Riel offering strong support, Dexter Gordon is heard in enthusiastic, hard-swinging form.