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 Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide

AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars and called it "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, fluegelhorn
• Benny Bailey — lead trumpet, fluegelhorn
• Slide Hampton — trombone
• Wayne Andre — lead trombone
• Howard Johnson — tuba, baritone saxophone
• Bobby Hutcherson — vibes
• George Cables — piano
• Rufus Reid — bass
• Victor Lewis — drums
• William Wittman — engineer- recorded and mixed