Dexter Gordon & Donlad Byrd – The Berlin Studio Session 1963 (LP, The Lost Recordings)

When two jazz masters meet, something unique often emerges. 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 flourishing bebop era, which the two artists played a key role in shaping, both emerged as leading figures on the Blue Note label. Gordon had previously overcome a phase of severe addiction and was brimming with enthusiasm, while Donald Byrd had perfected his playing in the previous successful creative years, including collaborations with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The short, but intense and captivating session was initiated and led by alto saxophonist and arranger Herbe Geller, who was then living in Berlin and had played with greats such as Chet Baker and Quincy Jones. The recordings took place on November 14, 1963, at RBB Studios III in Berlin, with strong septet backing musicians. The session also marked the beginning of another major collaboration: Gordon, inspired by the playing of his young colleague Byrd, invited him to record “One Flight Up,” the only Blue Note record the two greats shared together. First edition, 3,000 hand-numbered copies. Musicians: Donald Byrd (tr), Dexter Gordon (ts), Herb Geller (as), Ake Persson (tb), Heinz Kitschenberg (g), Jurgen Ehlers (b), Joe Harris (dr)