Dizzy Gillespie is the common denominator on this hodgepodge compilation of what sounds like radio broadcasts from 1944, 1945, and 1946. He is either leading a group, co-leading with Charlie Parker, in a backup band for Sarah Vaughan, or a member of the Joe Marsala sextet. The value of this collection is to hear and understand the rhythmic transformation from swing in the case of the Marsala ensemble to the out-and-out bop of Gillespie and Parker, not to mention that the new harmonic modern jazz richness delicately backs ...
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Dizzy Gillespie is the common denominator on this hodgepodge compilation of what sounds like radio broadcasts from 1944, 1945, and 1946. He is either leading a group, co-leading with Charlie Parker, in a backup band for Sarah Vaughan, or a member of the Joe Marsala sextet. The value of this collection is to hear and understand the rhythmic transformation from swing in the case of the Marsala ensemble to the out-and-out bop of Gillespie and Parker, not to mention that the new harmonic modern jazz richness delicately backs the ultra-elegant Vaughan. At times the recording quality is a bit thin, but it's more than adequate to hear the genius of these immortal musicians, and there's not a single stiff in the bunch. The transitional swing sounds of clarinetist Marsala's group bookend the CD, with pianist Cliff Jackson in vintage stride mode during "My Melancholy Baby," Gillespie laying the backdrop for the jam on "Cherokee," and upfront during "On the Alamo" as the band jumps the blues. Classic bop with Gillespie and Parker shows up on four cuts from 1945, warming up on "All the Things You Are," and steamin' up the joint for "Dizzy Atmosphere" with an appearance from Slam Stewart, slapping the bass and vocalizing in tandem. Big Sid Catlett joins on drums for the best batch of "Shaw 'Nuff" and "Hot House." Gillespie leads two other bands, one with tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon in a rare pairing of the two for the cool, matter of fact take on "Blue 'n' Boogie," while Gillespie's quintet with alto saxophonist Sonny Stitt, vibist Milt Jackson, and drummer Kenny Clarke do four more numbers from 1946. Those combos include bassist Ray Brown's immortal showcase "One Bass Hit," the memorable and tricky melody of "That's Earl Brother" with a clean Gillespie vamp, and the jive group vocal "Oop Bop Sh'bam" with Gil Fuller scatting. Alice Roberts joins for a basic blues original of pianist Al Haig and Stitt for "A Handfulla Gimme," and she sounds solid without wailing or moaning. Vaughan appears on three tracks, with "Lover Man" the less worthy in terms of scratchy sound quality, while the energetic "East of the Sun" fares best and features pianist Leonard Feather putting his pen aside for the ivories, while "Mean to Me" is credited to an orchestra even though it's only a septet, but it's a mighty group with Max Roach, Gillespie, and Parker, and a passionately toned Flip Phillips on tenor sax shadowing Vaughan's vocal phrasings. Guitar lovers should also note the presence of three great players on these dates -- Chuck Wayne, Remo Palmier, and Bill DeArango. For collectors or completists this is a recording to seek, and for students or newbies, it can provide a brief but poignant overview of this time period, when these musicians revolutionized jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
