nsp, I agree about Dexter’s distinctive style; he has always been a favorite. He has always been known for having a very relaxed and “on the backside of the beat” style. What I referred to previously was what happened toward the end of his career when the effects of all the years of drug use seemed to take over. The same way that any person’s unique idiosyncharsies (not just musical) are often magnified by drug and acohol abuse, Dexter’s musical idiosynchrasies were magnified to the extent that he would seem to be playing to an entirely different beat than the rhythm section; far from “slightly”. Still, one of the greats.
In answer to your question, Dexter’s main influences were Lester Young, Gene Ammons and Marshall Royal who was lead alto in the saxophone section of Lionel Hampton’s band that Dexter spent a lot of time with. As an influence himself, Dexter’s most notable was John Coltrane. A lot of similarities in their big wide open tone with edge which was a big departure from the softer edged tone of the swing tenor players.
In answer to your question, Dexter’s main influences were Lester Young, Gene Ammons and Marshall Royal who was lead alto in the saxophone section of Lionel Hampton’s band that Dexter spent a lot of time with. As an influence himself, Dexter’s most notable was John Coltrane. A lot of similarities in their big wide open tone with edge which was a big departure from the softer edged tone of the swing tenor players.