In 1962, there was no stopping Dexter Gordon. The first great bebop tenor-saxophonist, Gordon came out of Billy Eckstine's big band in 1945 to record classic bop and battle Wardell Gray at jam sessions and in 1962 was in one of his peak periods. He contributed two songs (including the heated "Soy Califa"), swings hard on "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" and caresses the melodies of "Don't Explain" and "Until The Real Thing Comes Along." With his huge tone, witty style and ability to swing at every tempo, Dexter Gordon could not be beat when he played the music he loved. A Swingin' Affair, which also features outstanding playing from Sonny Clark and Billy Higgins, is one of his truly great recordings.