What makes The Other Side of Round Midnight by Dexter Gordon notable?

The album is notable for its blend of classic jazz standards with original works, reflecting Gordon's virtuosity and improvisational prowess. It received critical acclaim and contributed to Gordon's resurgence in the jazz scene during the mid-1980s, helping solidify his legacy as one of the great tenor saxophonists. Released in 1986, The Other Side of Round Midnight marked Dexter Gordon's return to recording after a hiatus, following his acclaimed album Choices in 1982. By this time, Gordon had already established himself as a significant figure in jazz, having gained renewed recognition from his role in the film Round Midnight (1986), which helped introduce his music to a broader audience.

Who is The Other Side of Round Midnight for?

The Other Side of Round Midnight works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, rich textures for deep listening and reflective moments of calm.

How many songs are on The Other Side of Round Midnight?

The Other Side of Round Midnight has 9 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

The Other Side of Round Midnight

Dexter Gordon · 1986

50 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz standards and original compositions showcasing Gordon's deep, expressive tenor saxophone voice.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Round Midnight — This iconic composition serves as an emotional centerpiece of the album, highlighting Gordon's ability to convey deep melancholy through his saxophone phrasing.
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What Is This Thing Called Love — This track showcases Gordon's playful interpretation of a jazz standard, blending sophisticated harmonies with a relaxed swing that epitomizes his style.
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As Time Goes By — Gordon's rendition transforms this well-known song into a tender ballad, allowing his expressive tone to shine while paying homage to its rich history.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Gordon's expressive saxophone leads a blend of standards and originals, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, contemplative rendition of 'Round Midnight' that sets a reflective mood.
Gordon's tenor saxophone takes the lead on most tracks, often engaging in extended improvisation that showcases his technical skill.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with resolution
rich textures for deep listening
reflective moments of calm
soaring melodies for introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat, fast tempos

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases Gordon's continued vitality after a recording hiatus.
Career context: Released in 1986, The Other Side of Round Midnight marked Dexter Gordon's return to recording after a hiatus, following his acclaimed album Choices in 1982. By this time, Gordon had already established himself as a significant figure in jazz, having gained renewed recognition from his role in the film Round Midnight (1986), which helped introduce his music to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Sonny Rollins· Stan Getz