Dexter Gordon, Jazz Gateway

Born on this day a century ago, Long Tall Dexter was iconic in more ways than one

Dexter Gordon during the recording session for Go! in 1962. (Francis Wolff / Mosaic)

Do you recall your first Dexter Gordon album? Like many others, mine was Go! — the impeccably swinging 1962 Blue Note session. I got my first copy on CD some 30 years after it was recorded and released. Crazy to think that was now some 30 years ago.

Think for a moment ab…