Dexter Moses, saxophonist, on the underappreciated influence of Don Byas (1913–1972) on swing and bebop
Dexter Moses is a saxophonist, composer, and educator in Durham.
In addition to his own group, the Dexter Moses Quartet/Quintet, the musician has performed and recorded with Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Joey Calderazzo, and Nneena Freelon, among others.
A double alumnus from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Dexter holds a bachelor’s in jazz studies and master’s in jazz composition and arranging. On Wednesdays, he hosts Evening Jazz at WNCU 90.7 FM, the university’s jazz radio station, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.
On this episode, Dexter shares about:
- the life and legacy of the legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon (to whom he dedicated his August show at the Sharp 9 Gallery in Durham);
- how listening to a bootleg recording of saxophonist Don Byas and bassist Slam Stewart inspired his master’s thesis at NCCU, which argued that Byas should be named among the founding fathers of bebop alongside saxophonist Charlie Parker;
- and negotiating the complexities of performing historic swing music today as a Black musician within the context of race and racism in the United States.
Further reading: Dexter mentions the longest musicians’ strike and recording ban in entertainment history, which took place from 1942 to 1944. Learn more about “The Day the Music Stopped.”
Dexter joined Six Count the day after being a featured artist of the Wednesday jazz jam hosted by drummer Taha Arif at Hayti Collective Kitchen and Cocktails in Durham. You can find out more about the weekly event, which takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., by listening to Taha’s episode (published in April 2023).
Dexter teaches private lessons in saxophone, flute, and clarinet at the Russell Lacy Music school in Durham (and he’s accepting new students!).
Episode art credit: Micah Haycraft
Music credits
This episode features a live recording of “The Change,” by the Dexter Moses Quartet.
This season features the songs “Forged in Rhythm” and “Callous & Kind” by Keenan McKenzie & The Riffers (2017), used by Six Count with permission from the artist.
How to listen
You can find Six Count on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other listening app! The series also airs on taintradio.org, an online jazz radio station based in North Carolina, on Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and Fridays at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Support the show
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