Sophisticated Giant

Sophisticated Giant is a jazz album by saxophonist Dexter Gordon, recorded in 1977 by an eleven-piece band playing tunes arranged by trombone player Slide Hampton. The album marked Gordon's return to the United States after a long residency in Europe.

Reception
The Bay State Banner wrote that "Slide Hampton's library of duets, solos, rhythm, harmony, and intense ensemble choruses have variety, but also a consistent deployment of moods and gambits."

AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow called the album "an excellent acquisition."

Side one

 * 1) "Laura" (David Raksin) – 7:37
 * 2) "The Moontrane" (Woody Shaw) – 6:36
 * 3) "Red Top" (Lionel Hampton, Ben Kynard) – 8:51

Side two

 * 1) "Fried Bananas" (Dexter Gordon) – 7:53
 * 2) "You're Blasé" (Ord Hamilton, Bruce Sievier) – 9:49
 * 3) "How Insensitive" (Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes) – 4:53
 * All tunes arranged by Slide Hampton
 * Recorded June 21 & 22, 1977 at Sound Ideas, NYC by William Wittman

Personnel

 * Dexter Gordon &mdash; tenor and soprano saxophone
 * Frank Wess &mdash; alto saxophone, flute, piccolo
 * Woody Shaw &mdash; trumpet, flugelhorn
 * Benny Bailey &mdash; lead trumpet, flugelhorn
 * Slide Hampton &mdash; trombone
 * Wayne Andre &mdash; lead trombone
 * Howard Johnson &mdash; tuba, baritone saxophone
 * Bobby Hutcherson &mdash; vibes
 * George Cables &mdash; piano
 * Rufus Reid &mdash; bass
 * Victor Lewis &mdash; drums
 * Technical
 * William Wittman &mdash; engineer, recording, mixing