This is a potent reminder of Gordon’s musical strength during the decade and a half when he was based in Eur ope, with a closing bonus track from the subsequent homecoming that generated a touring American rhythm-section. Some of his best work from the lengthy exile found him backed by the trio of two Americans and Niels-Henning, as on this first trip to Japan. Their forward momentum is invaluable in challenging and underscoring Dexter’s behindthe-beat delivery, simultaneously so urgent and laidback. His influence on those coming to maturity in the 1950s, like Rollins and Coltrane, is as palpable as his sense of humour (quotations are not overdone here). The fact that, at this period, he’d also begun singing Billy Eckstine’s blues ‘Jelly, Jelly’ – and that it inspired a few choruses with Drew and NHØP playing a strict boogie bassline – is just icing on the cake. The recording is serviceable, with a hint of flutter at times, and Pedersen’s very prominent lines seem close to distortion on ‘Fried Bananas’, culminating in him not being heard at all for most of its last minute. But, with music this compelling, sound quality is hardly the most important consideration.