Manhattan Symphonie was recorded just two days after Dexter Gordon's legendary gigs at the Village Vanguard with his working band of pianist George Cables, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Eddie Gladden. Produced by Michael, this set captures the true mastery of Gordon at his melodic peak. Some of the fire of the earlier bebop years has mellowed but, as evidenced by the opening ballad "As Time Goes By," none of his ability to reimagine melody, his trademark phrasing, and his sheer ability to transfer emotion is missing. Cables provides a solid foil for Gordon just as he did for Art Read more on Last.fm.
