Dexter Gordon

Courtney's Muse is where I share my current music obsessions, inspirations, and artists I study. I hope you enjoy these talented musicians as much as I do.

Warning: Adult language used in the movie and song.

Have you ever wondered why jazz is seldom performed live precisely the same way as the last time you hear it? That's because we are having a musical conversation. Each of us is responding and reacting to what is being communicated musically. Music expresses the" emotions of the moment," and jazz solos are just that an opportunity to compose in the moment. As a result, the listener has a view into what the musician is experiencing on a profoundly personal and venerable emotional level -a level every human being on the planet can relate to. 

There are countless examples of deeply emotional jazz solos. One of my favorites is from the 1986 movie - Round Midnight featuring Dexter Gordon as the protagonist, jazz musician Dale Turner. Dexter Gordon's rendition of Body and Soul conveys the emotional gambit of the film and touches my heart every time I hear it.