Dizzy

Product Description:

Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet); Herb Ellis (guitar); Leo Wright (flute, alto saxophone); Gilbert Valdez (flute); Ernie Henry, James Moody, Jimmy Powell, Phil Woods, Charlie Parker (alto saxophone); Ernie Wilkins, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Billy Mitchell (tenor saxophone); Pee Wee Moore (baritone saxophone); Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Joe Gordon, Joe Wilder, Lee Morgan , Quincy Jones, Roy Eldridge, John Frosk, E. V. Perry, Carl Warwick, Talib Daawud (trumpet); Gunther Schuller, Julius Watkins, William Lister, Morris Secon (French horn); Frank Rehak, Al Grey, Melba Liston, Urbie Green, Britt Woodman (trombone); Rod Levitt, Paul Faulise, Ray Connor (bass trombone); Don Butterfield (tuba); Kenny Barron, Lalo Schifrin, Alejandro Hernandez, Oscar Peterson, Ray Bryant, Thelonious Monk, Walter Davis Jr., Wynton Kelly (piano); Curly Russell, Paul West, Ray Brown, Robert Rodriguez, Art Davis, Tommy Bryant, Nelson Boyd, Chris White (bass instrument); Louie Bellson, Max Roach, Rudy Collins, Chuck Lampkin, Buddy Rich, Charli Persip (drums); Candido Camero (congas); Jose Mangual, Jack Del Rio (bongos); Willie Rodriguez (timbales, timpani); Ubaldo Nieto (timbales); Rafael Miranda (percussion).

Recording information: New York, New York (1950 - 1963).

Arrangers: Tadd Dameron; Benny Golson.

DIZZY: THE MUSIC OF JOHN BIRKS GILLESPIE is the musical companion to Donald L. Maggin's biography of the bebop pioneer. Interestingly, the CD does not cover what is widely regarded as Gillespie's most enduring and revolutionary work--his earliest recordings with Charlie Parker. Instead, it focuses on his output from 1950 through 1963, when the trumpeter began to experiment with big bands, as well as a variety of small groups. Since Gillespie's work with Parker has been well documented and much heralded, it is a relief to hear a set that spotlights his bold, often magnificent work as a leader.

Over its 11 tracks, DIZZY spans the range of Gillespie's projects during the era. His explosive 1956-57 big band (which Gillespie considered the greatest big band he ever led) is represented here, as are some of his all-star configurations, which feature Parker, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, and Max Roach. The set presents ballads, potent bebop, and--of particular note--an increasing devotion to Afro-Cuban sounds, a style Gillespie helped develop and introduce to American jazz audiences. DIZZY is a superb overview of a too-often overlooked period in this jazz icon's career.