Sophisticated Giant is a jazz album by saxophonist Dexter Gordon, recorded in 1977 by an eleven-piece band playing tunes arranged by trombone player Slide Hampton. The album marked Gordon's return to the United States after a long residency in Europe.
Reception
The Bay State Banner wrote that "Slide Hampton's library of duets, solos, rhythm, harmony, and intense ensemble choruses have variety, but also a consistent deployment of moods and gambits."
AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow called the album "an excellent acquisition."
Track listing Side one "Laura" (David Raksin) – 7:37 "The Moontrane" (Woody Shaw) – 6:36 "Red Top" (Lionel Hampton, Ben Kynard) – 8:51
Side two "Fried Bananas" (Dexter Gordon) – 7:53 "You're Blasé" (Ord Hamilton, Bruce Sievier) – 9:49 "How Insensitive" (Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes) – 4:53 All tunes arranged by Slide Hampton Recorded June 21 & 22, 1977 at Sound Ideas, NYC by William Wittman
Personnel Dexter Gordon — tenor and soprano saxophone Frank Wess — alto saxophone, flute, piccolo Woody Shaw — trumpet, flugelhorn Benny Bailey — lead trumpet, flugelhorn Slide Hampton — trombone Wayne Andre — lead trombone Howard Johnson — tuba, baritone saxophone Bobby Hutcherson — vibes George Cables — piano Rufus Reid — bass Victor Lewis — drums Technical William Wittman — engineer, recording, mixing
References