180g Vinyl, LP - TLR-2204049V Read more.
Side 1
1. An Air for the Heir
2. Blue Orchids
Side 2
3. Fly Me to the Moon
4. The Dexter Byrd
When two jazz masters meet, the result is often unique. This was the case with the "Berlin Studio Sessions 1963", the first joint recording by tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Donald Byrd. At the time of the blossoming bebop, which the two artists played a major role in shaping, both developed into leading figures of the Blue Note label. Gordon had previously overcome a period of severe addictions and was brimming with enthusiasm, while Donald Byrd had perfected his playing in the previous successful creative years, including playing with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.
The short but intense and rousing session was initiated and led by alto saxophonist and arranger Herbe Geller, then living in Berlin, who had played with such greats as Chet Baker and Quincy Jones. The recording took place with strong backing musicians in septet on November 14, 1963 at RBB Studios III in Berlin. The session also marked the beginning of another great collaboration: Gordon, enthusiastic about the playing of his young colleague Byrd, invited him to record "One Flight Up", the only joint Blue Note record of the two greats.
1st edition, 3000 hand-numbered copies.
Musicians: Donald Byrd (tr), Dexter Gordon (ts), Herb Geller (as), Ake Persson (tb), Heinz Kitschenberg (g), Jürgen Ehlers (b), Joe Harris (dr)
