The Berlin Studio Session 1963 - Plak

180G VINYL ALBUM

NEW TIP-ON GATEFOLD

RECORDED FROM THE ORIGINAL ANALOG TAPES

When two jazz masters meet, the result is often unique. This was the case with the 'Berlin Studio Sessions 1963', the first joint recording by tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Donald Byrd. At the time of the blossoming bebop, which the two artists played a major role in shaping, both developed into leading figures of the Blue Note label. Gordon had previously overcome a phase of severe addictions and was brimming with enthusiasm, while Donald Byrd had perfected his playing in the preceding successful creative years, among others together with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

The short but intense and rousing session was initiated and led by alto saxophonist and arranger Herbe Geller, then living in Berlin, who had played with such greats as Chet Baker and Quincy Jones. The recording took place with strong backing musicians in septet on November 14, 1963 at RBB Studios III in Berlin. The session also marked the beginning of another great collaboration: Gordon, enthusiastic about the playing of his young colleague Byrd, invited him to record 'One Flight Up', the only joint Blue Note record of the two greats.