http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.61444&rws=%2Fdexter-gordon%2Fmusic-videos.rssA widely reproduced photograph of Dexter Gordon sums up jazz in a single image -- the great saxophonist is lost in the music, with his instrument at rest and a stream of smoke rising from his cigarette. Gordon's own music always created the same state of reverie, mixing Lester Young's cool lyricism with Charlie Parker's bop innovations; forming his own unique sound in the process. Like Paul Desmond, Gordon quoted different songs -- as well as bits of other artists' solos -- at strategic spots during both his frenzied swingers and devastating ballads. He spent most of the '50s in jail on narcotics charges before releasing a series of stunning albums on Blue Note in the '60s. Gordon caught the acting bug in prison and later received an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in <i>Round Midnight</i>. Consumed with illness at the time, his playing was in serious decline but still held flashes of its former brilliance. - Nick DedinaBopen720Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:47:12 -0800 http://static.realone.com/rotw/images/logo_rhapsody_113x22.gif http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.61444&rws=%2Fdexter-gordon%2Fmusic-videos.rss A widely reproduced photograph of Dexter Gordon sums up jazz in a single image -- the great saxophonist is lost in the music, with his instrument at rest and a stream of smoke rising from his cigarette. Gordon's own music always created the same state of reverie, mixing Lester Young's cool lyricism with Charlie Parker's bop innovations; forming his own unique sound in the process. Like Paul Desmond, Gordon quoted different songs -- as well as bits of other artists' solos -- at strategic spots during both his frenzied swingers and devastating ballads. He spent most of the '50s in jail on narcotics charges before releasing a series of stunning albums on Blue Note in the '60s. Gordon caught the acting bug in prison and later received an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in <i>Round Midnight</i>. Consumed with illness at the time, his playing was in serious decline but still held flashes of its former brilliance. - Nick Dedina