Tenor man Dexter Gordon lived from 1923 to 1990. He developed a worldwide fame for his big, gutsy sound, his command of jazz vocabulary, and his ability to inspire audiences. 'Tribute to Dexter' takes a signature lick of Gordon's and works it into prominence within two contrasting movements. The first movement, Blue, is lyrical and subtle in its treatment, with a steady, patterned accompaniment created to facilitate ballad-tempo solos (written or improvised). Boppin', the second movement, uses offbeat rhythms to displace the beat and create contrast. An effective and innovative way to end either a concert or to use as an encore.