Dexter Gordon - Our Man in Paris

Personnel: Dexter Gordon(tenor saxophone), Bud Powell(piano), Pierre Michelot(bass), Kenny Clarke(drums)

What a time capsule piece this is. You have 3 of the top bebop players of all time in Gordon, Powell, and Clarke, who all happened to be living in Paris at the time, playing a bill consisting almost entirely of 40's bebop standards. Only this recording wasn't made in the 40's, it was made in 1963. I am assuming that this session brought back old memories for the musicians as well, because there is an air of joyous recollection and relaxation that carries this recording from beginning to end. These guys are in their comfort zone and are firing on all cylinders.