Recorded on July 7, 1981, at the Estate Jazz Festival in Genoa’s Villa Imperiale, More Than You Know is a new landmark archival release documenting a superb, previously uncirculated live performance by Dexter Gordon. The album captures the tenor saxophone legend during a significant phase of his historic resurgence during the final decade of his career.

Rooted in the relationship between Gordon and the Italian jazz community, Italy was an environment that Dexter often referred to as a "second home" and a "sanctuary" where his music was most deeply appreciated and received with enormous enthusiasm and sentimentality. This particular performance follows Gordon's celebrated 1976 “Homecoming,” with Gordon continuing to benefit from the artistic freedom honed during his 14 years in Europe.

The quartet featured on this album includes Kirk Lightsey on piano, David Eubanks on bass, and Eddie Gladden on drums. This unit carried forward the musical excellence of Gordon's post-expatriate career, providing a cohesive foundation for his expansive, melodic style. The performance showcases a commanding rendition of standards and originals that embodies the sound of one of jazz’s most influential figures.

A Triumph of Archival Preservation

This release is a major cultural event and a milestone for GleAM Records, an independent Italian label founded in 2017 by Angelo Mastronardi. The album marks the first time an official Dexter Gordon recording has been produced by an Italian record label. The label's mission emphasizes the preservation and international dissemination of jazz, adhering to a rigorous standard of historical awareness. Mastronardi secured the rights to this unreleased concert, viewing the publication as the most important addition to the label's catalog. This effort contributes to strengthening Italy’s role within the international jazz ecosystem by restoring and disseminating a historically important discovery.

Ultimately, More Than You Know stands as a powerful and essential addition to the Dexter Gordon discography. Its successful restoration and release not only fill a significant gap in the historical record of his late-career European tours but also provide a compelling musical experience of exceptional quality. The album's strong critical reception and numerous accolades confirm its position as a vital piece of the jazz canon, successfully bridging Gordon’s foundational era with contemporary listeners, and reinforcing the mission of cultural preservation at the core of the GleAM Records collaboration. It is a mandatory acquisition for both dedicated jazz historians and fans seeking a deeply rewarding performance from one of the genre’s most influential masters.

Critical Acclaim and International Recognition

The artistic and historical value of More Than You Know has been confirmed by outstanding international recognition:

• Best Historical Album 2025 Awards:
  • Musica Jazz
  • Paris-Move & Bayou Blue Radio
  • Buscadero
    
    
• In-Depth Reviews and Features:
  • DownBeat (US)
  • All About Jazz (US)
  • Jazz Hot (FR)
  • JazzLife Magazine (Japan)
  • CitizenJazz (France)
  • Toma Jazz (Spain)
  • Tracce di Jazz (Italy)
  • Doppio Jazz Magazine (Italy)
  • Jazzblues.eu
  • Corriere della Sera
  • Paris-Move (Review)
    
    

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