"Lady Bird" from Dexter Gordon's 1969 album More Power! is a spirited rendition of Tadd Dameron's elegant 16-bar composition in C major, featuring a rare two-tenor summit between Gordon and James Moody. Gordon opens with nine commanding choruses at 162 BPM, his trademark behind-the-beat phrasing and melodic wit on full display. Moody follows with eight equally impressive choruses, his lighter, more fluid tone providing an engaging contrast to Gordon's massive sound. Pianist Barry Harris contributes four swinging choruses to close the solo section. The album, recorded at Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, brought together two master tenor saxophonists whose stylistic differences made for compelling musical dialogue. Dameron's composition, with its smoothly descending chord progression, is an ideal vehicle for extended improvisation, and all three soloists exploit its harmonic possibilities to the fullest. More Power! captures Gordon at a moment of renewed creative energy, shortly before his return to performing in the United States after years of living in Europe. The presence of Barry Harris, one of the foremost practitioners of bebop piano, anchors the session in the tradition that shaped both Gordon and Moody. This performance showcases the competitive camaraderie that defines the best tenor saxophone encounters in jazz.
