Due to popular demand, Gearbox Records are delighted announce the release of their acclaimed and previously unreleased 2016 Vinyl release Fried Bananas on CD - beautifully presented in their trademark mini-replica-LP style packaging.The great tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon moved to Europe in 1962. Ten years later he was living in Copenhagen when he went on the road with a Dutch rhythm section consisting of pianist Rein de Graaff, double bassist Henk Haverhoek and drummer Eric Ineke. This was quite unusual, as Dexter mostly toured as a solo artist working with local musicians in each town. By the time their performance at the Societiet Progress in Heemskerk was recorded for broadcast by VPRO, the quartet had been playing together regularly for two months. Dexter and his Dutch band had developed a deep rapport and understanding that's clearly evident on the three extended tracks on this record. These are two of his signature compositions, 'The Panther' and 'Fried Bananas', plus the iconic Coleman Hawkins classic "Body and Soul".Included leaflet features fascinating liner notes by Dexter's wife Maxine Gordon, with reminiscences and insights from drummer Eric Ineke and pianist Rein de Graaff. Fried Bananas is an important addition to the recorded legacy of Dexter Gordon's fourteen years in Europe. Cut on a Haeco Scully lathe with Westrex RA1700 series amps, Westrex 3DIIA cutting head and Telefunken U73B tube limiter; Decca valve equalisation; monitored on Audio Note equipment.
P**.
Well, this is disappointing.
"Fried Bananas" is a previously unreleased, professionally-recorded live recording of Dexter Gordon from 1972, a period not previously covered by any live albums. Which makes it even sadder that this is so disappointing. While Dex, pianist Rein De Graaf, double bassist Hank Haverhoek, and drummer Eric Ineke play well together on this show — which took place on November 3, 1972 at the Societiet Progress in Heemskerk, Holland — the show itself is incomplete. Not only does this disc clock in at around 36 minutes, clearly not enough for a full concert, but "The Panther" fades in mid-song while "Body And Soul" fades out before it's over. Only the title track is intact, though it is rather stellar.You're better off getting "Espace Cardin 1977," which is from '77, not '72, and features a different band (though the same configuration), and is a complete version of an equally fantastic show.
