George Cables Trio: A Letter to Dexter

Cables recorded several albums with Gordon (notably after Gordon’s return from Europe) and one of their best was Manhattan Symphony. Cables’ newest CD repeats many of the same tunes from the album, a dedication of sorts to his long run with Gordon. Cables used stalwart bassist Rufus Reid, who worked with Gordon as well as Cables for many years. Drummer Victor Lewis, working a longtime with both Cables and Reid, is a proven perfect choice to round out the trio for current the CD, A Letter to Dexter.

Gordon fans will recognize the music and the updated versions of tunes: “Catalonian Nights” (by D. Gordon), “Tanya,” “Body and Soul,” “LTD (Long tall Dexter),” which is a driving blues, and “I Told You So” (by G. Cables). The trio performs these tunes as though they’ve been playing them for years, which they have been. Reids’s solos are better than ever, including some octave explorations in a tune or two. Cables gives a little poetic introduction to “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” for a personal touch. The trio ends the excellent CD with Monk’s “Round ‘Bout Midnight.” This CD is a wonderful collectors’ item and not to be missed. Visit Cables website, www.georgecables.com, and www.kindofbluerecords.com .

Glenn A. Mitchell is a bassist and writer for LA Jazz Scene. This review is reprinted with permission from the August 2007 issue of LA Jazz Scene.