Though he first recorded in the late-1940s, Dexter Gordon’s 1961 signing to Blue Note Records marked the beginning of a career renaissance for the great tenor saxophonist after a tumultuous decade. With the swift one-two punch of his label debut Doin’ Allright and Dexter Calling, recorded just three days apart in May 1961, Dexter solidified his return to form with aplomb. Dexter Calling featured an entirely different band with Dexter holding forth at the helm of a potent quartet with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. The set opens with the soulful hard bop gem “Soul Sister” before shifting into high gear and proving his dexterity on hard-charging numbers like “Modal Mood,” “I Want More,” and “Clear the Dex.” Gordon slows down for the stunning ballad “Ernie’s Tune” before closing the set with Charlie Chaplin’s joyous “Smile.”
