Long Tall Dexter: A Critical Musical Biography of Dexter Gordon

by Stan Britt

Described by Leonard Feather as 'one of the most influential saxophonists of the bop eras, ' Dexter Gordon has been a recognized master for over four decades. This new biography traces his career from his early stints with Lionel Hampton and Louis Armstrong, through his time with the bop big band of Bill Eckstine and his sparring partnership with fellow tenor-player Wardell Gray in Los Angeles, to his self-exile in Denmark, and his triumphant return to New York in 1976, an event that decisively shaped the still strong bebop revival.

Genres: Music, Biography

215 pages, Hardcover

First published August 21, 1989

Reviews

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

wasn't crazy about this book - i didn't really like the author's voice, and some of his research seemed solid, some not. the central avenue scene, for example, is passed over without a lot of attention to the great innovations that came out of that scene.

you can tell that mr. britt has conservative tastes, he seems much more able to rave about louis armstrong than this "modern" saxophonist.

whatevers!

i love dexter and am glad i read the book - got some good info on one of my favorite tenor players ... just wished for a lot more than i got.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for enthusiasm. Unfortunately Stan’s a lousy storyteller, he lacks nuance, and he desperately needs an editor. Hoping Maxine’s book turns out to be the one Dexter deserves.