The Jazz Real Book Darn That Dream and Dexter Gordon
(80) “Darn That Dream” and Dexter Gordon
Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6
“Darn That Dream,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie DeLange, debuted in the 1939 Broadway jazz musical Swingin’ the Dream and soon became a popular ballad recorded by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and others. Built on a rich 32-bar AABA form in G major, the melody weaves ascending and descending lines with poignant tensions, while the harmony shifts chromatically through unexpected II–V progressions, creating emotional depth and tonal ambiguity. Dexter Gordon’s 1964 recording on One Flight Up stands as a signature interpretation, with Gordon’s warm tenor saxophone delivering the melody’s longing character. His improvisation blends bebop sophistication and lyrical phrasing.. This rendition highlights Gordon’s expressive command and exemplifies his resurgence during his European period, capturing the tenderness and complexity of this timeless jazz standard performed by a jazz legend.