Sophisticated Giant

Sophisticated Giant
Studio album by Dexter Gordon
Released	1977
Recorded	June 1977
Genre	Jazz
Length	45:39
Label	Columbia
Producer	Michael Cuscuna
Dexter Gordon chronology
Homecoming: Live at the Village Vanguard (1977) Sophisticated Giant (1977) Manhattan Symphonie (1978)

Sophisticated Giant is a jazz album by saxophonist Dexter Gordon, recorded in 1977 by an eleven-piece band playing tunes arranged by trombone player Slide Hampton. The album marked Gordon's return to the United States after a long residency in Europe.

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide

The Bay State Banner wrote that "Slide Hampton's library of duets, solos, rhythm, harmony, and intense ensemble choruses have variety, but also a consistent deployment of moods and gambits."

AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow called the album "an excellent acquisition."

Track listing

Side one

1. "Laura" (David Raksin) – 7:37
2. "The Moontrane" (Woody Shaw) – 6:36
3. "Red Top" (Lionel Hampton, Ben Kynard) – 8:51

Side two

1. "Fried Bananas" (Dexter Gordon) – 7:53
2. "You're Blasé" (Ord Hamilton, Bruce Sievier) – 9:49
3. "How Insensitive" (Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes) – 4:53

All tunes arranged by Slide Hampton

Recorded June 21 & 22, 1977 at Sound Ideas, NYC by William Wittman

Personnel

• Dexter Gordon — tenor and soprano saxophone
• Frank Wess — alto saxophone, flute, piccolo
• Woody Shaw — trumpet, flugelhorn
• Benny Bailey — lead trumpet, flugelhorn
• Slide Hampton — trombone
• Wayne Andre — lead trombone
• Howard Johnson — tuba, baritone saxophone
• Bobby Hutcherson — vibes
• George Cables — piano
• Rufus Reid — bass
• Victor Lewis — drums

Technical

• William Wittman — engineer, recording, mixing