Dexter Gordon & Donald Byrd The Berlin Studio Session 1963

1st edition!
3000 hand-numbered copies!
When two jazz masters meet, something unique often emerges. As in the case of the "Berlin Studio Sessions 1963", the first joint recording by tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Donald Byrd. At the time of the flourishing Bebop, which the two artists played a major role in designing, both developed into leading figures of the Blue Note label. Gordon had previously overcome a period of severe addictions and was bursting with enthusiasm, while Donald Byrd had perfected his playing in the previous successful creative years, including together with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.
The short but intense and thrilling session was initiated and led by alto saxophonist and arranger Herbe Geller, who was based in Berlin at the time and played with greats such as Chet Baker and Quincy Jones. The recordings took place with strong accompanying musicians in the septet on November 14, 1963 in the RBB Studios III in Berlin. In addition, the session marked the start of another great collaboration: Gordon, enthusiastic about the game, invited his young colleague Byrd to record "One Flight Up", the only joint Blue Note record of the two greats.

Musicians:

• Donald Byrd (tr)
• Dexter Gordon (ts)
• Herb Geller (as)
• Ake Persson (tb)
• Heinz Kitschenberg (g)
• Jürgen Ehlers (b)
• Joe Harris (dr)

Selections:

Side A
1. An Air for the Heir
2. Blue Orchids
Side B
1. Fly Me to the Moon
2. The Dexter Byrd