Dexter Gordon – The Other Side of Round Midnight: (1985 – Blue Note)

 

After seeing “Round Midnight,” I knew I had to have the soundtrack, and if you too have seen the movie, you know what I mean. All the recordings on here were recorded live for the movie, which gives it a great intimate feeling. At the same time, the sound quality  is surprisingly good. If you haven’t seen the movie you should know that even though much of the soundtrack does features Dexter, the supporting cast is just as important, featuring Herbie Hancock, as well as occasional appearances by the likes of Cedar Walton, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby McFerrin, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, and others. But, as I see it,  apart from making allusion to Dexter’s genius, the other virtuoso performance on this album is Herbie Hancock playing Round Midnight. The realism of his piano is quite stunning. You can tell that the top of the piano is open. With each of the chords struck, you get that immediacy or sharp striking of the hammer to the string. The leading edge of the notes comes quickly. They don’t sound the least bit harsh or mechanical or worse yet, they don’t sound soft and mushy. There is also a completely believable sustain of the chords. The harmonic structure of the notes played, especially in the lower octaves, is very exacting. Overall, a very solid soundtrack with memorable versions of many standards and some of Dexter Gordon’s and Herbie Hancock’s finest playing.

Track List:

1. Round Midnight

2. Berangere’s Nightmare #2

3. Call Sheet Blues

4. What Is This Thing Called Love

5. Tivoli

6. Society Red

7. As Time Goes By

8. It’s Only a Paper Moon

9. Round Midnight – (solo piano)

Personnel:

Dexter Gordon (soprano & tenor saxophones)

Bobby McFerrin (vocals)

Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones)

Palle Mikkelborg, Freddie Hubbard (trumpet)

Herbie Hancock, Cedar Walton (piano)

Pierre Michelot, Ron Carter, Mads Vinding (bass)

Billy Higgins, Tony Williams (drums)

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