"Devilette" opens Dexter Gordon's 1967 album Both Sides of Midnight, a live recording that captures the tenor saxophonist during his prolific European exile period. Composed by bassist Ben Tucker, this Latin-flavored piece is set in G minor with a 24-bar ABA form at approximately 128 BPM. Gordon delivers seven commanding choruses, his huge sound and behind-the-beat phrasing lending the performance a majestic quality. Pianist Kenny Drew follows with four choruses of his own, his comping and solo work reflecting the deep musical partnership the two men developed while living in Copenhagen. The recording was made at the Montmartre Jazzhus, the legendary Copenhagen club that served as Gordon's musical home throughout much of the 1960s. The Latin feel provides an atmospheric backdrop that differs from the straight-ahead swing of most Gordon sessions, showcasing his adaptability as an improviser. Both Sides of Midnight documents the vital creative period when Gordon, having left the United States in 1962, found artistic freedom and appreciative audiences in Scandinavia. The rhythm section, featuring Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass, was among the finest in European jazz. This opening track sets the tone for an album that balances intensity with sophistication throughout.
