Nights at the Keystone dates from a couple of years after Dexter Gordon had returned triumphantly to America (1978-79). He took strong solos on several lengthy performances. One can fault the occasional excess of song quotes (especially "Laura," which seemed to pop up in every solo) but Gordon's authoritative sound, freshness of ideas and confident explorations easily compensated. Pianist George Cables was often in dazzling form (check out "Tangerine") and was continually inventive. Bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Eddie Gladden were perfect in support. In addition, the ambience of the late, lamented Keystone Korner, San Francisco's top jazz club and possessor of one of the most knowledgeable jazz audiences anywhere, can be felt. Mosaic has packaged all three volumes into a single box as number 14 in its limited-edition Select Series. It features gorgeously remastered sound, original sequencing, and a 16-page booklet with copious notes and full session information.
Disc 1
1. It’s You Or No One (B) 10:26
(J. Styne-S. Cahn)
2. Sophisticated Lady (E) 12:32
(Ellington-Parish-Mills)
3. Antabus (A) 7:41
(Dexter Gordon)
4. Easy Living (F) 17:19
(L. Robin-R. Rainger)
5. Backstairs/LTD (F) 14:30
(Dexter Gordon)
Disc 2
1. The Panther (E) 17:09
(Dexter Gordon)
2. Tangerine (B) 13:10
(V. Schwertzinger-J. Mercer)
3. More Than You Know (G) 11:11
(Youmans-Rose-Eliscu)
4. Gingerbread Boy (D) 12:07
(Jimmy Heath)
5. Come Rain Or Come Shine (B) 19:30
(H. Arlen-J. Mercer)
Disc 3
1. You’ve Changed (F) 18:32
(B. Carey-C. Fischer)
2. Body And Soul (C) 16:59
(Green-Heyman-Sour-Eyton)
3. I Told You So (D) 13:42
(George Cables)
4. As Time Goes By (F) 15:23
(Herman Hupfield)
Recorded:May 13, 1978 (A)
May 16, 1978 (B)
September 16, 1978 (C)
September 17, 1978 (D)
March 23, 1979 (E)
March 24, 1979 (F)
March 27, 1979 (G)
Disc One (#1-4) and Disc Two (#2,3 & 5) were originally issued as the double LP Nights At The Keystone (Blue Note BABB 85112)
All material also issued on Blue Note CD B2-94848 (disc one), B2-94849 (disc two) and B2-94850 (disc three) as Nights At The Keystone, volumes one through three.
