by Scott Yanow
Three Dexter Gordon CD's (which are also available separately) are housed in this particular Black Lion box. The music included on Both Sides Of Midnight, Body And Soul and Take The 'A' Train were performed live during a two-day period at the legendary Copenhagen club Montmartre by the veteran tenor with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pederson and drummer Albert &Tootie& Heath. The 15 standards (including two versions of &Blues Walk&) find Dexter in typically exuberant form, stretching out (only two numbers are under 8 1/2 minutes) and sounding quite relaxed even at the more rapid tempoes. Gordon's many fans will want this music in one form or another.