Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Super cool jazz cat Dexter Gordon's 1963 album Our Man in Paris marked his first release from Europe and is often regarded as the final bebop album. The saxophonist gathered a quartet featuring bebop legends Bud Powell on piano and Kenny Clarke on drums and they played alongside French bassist Pierre Michelot to record this timeless work at CBS Studios in Paris. The album is defined by Gordon's commanding saxophone with the intricate rhythms of bebop that take you right back to a precise moment of musical history which marked a significant transition in jazz. It remained a defining work in Gordon's career.

Review: Dexter Gordon's 1965 album Gettin' Around captures the essence of his refined, effortless saxophone playing, coming at a time when he was back in the States after a long stint in Europe. The vibe here is smooth and unhurried, with Gordon's tenor sax at the centre of it all, surrounded by a standout crew: vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Billy Higgins. This unique instrumentation really shines, especially with the interplay between Gordon and Hutcherson on tracks like 'Manha De Carnival' and 'Shiny Stockings.' The whole session feels relaxed yet precise, with Gordon letting his sax sing while the band provides subtle yet nuanced backing. Highlights include the gentle swing of 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool' and the more upbeat 'Le Coiffeur,' both showcasing the group's tight but easy-going chemistry. Reissued as part of the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series, this edition stays true to its analogue roots, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes and pressed on heavyweight 180g vinyl. For fans of Gordon or classic Blue Note, it's a must-have.

Review: By 1962, when Dexter Gordon recorded Go!, he was already a jazz legend and a proven pioneer in bringing bebop to the tenor saxophone in the 1940s. His career had been slowed by personal struggles but signing with Blue Note in 1961 marked a powerful resurgence and led to a series of iconic albums. Go! features a stellar quartet with Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums and highlights Gordon's boundless creativity on tracks like the tasty 'Cheese Cake' and his skilful interpretations of ballads such as 'I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry' and 'Where Are You.' This reissue comes on nice blue and heavy-weight vinyl.