Dizzy Gillespie: Billie's Bounce
Musicians:
Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), Benny Golson (tenor sax), David Sánchez (tenor sax), George Mraz (bass),
Danilo Perez (piano), Kenny Washington (drums)
.Composed by Charlie Parker
.Recorded: live at the Blue Note, New York, January 23-25, 1992
Rating: 93/100 (learn more)
One of Gillespie's final albums was this tribute to Charlie Parker, recorded live at the Blue Note in New York, as part of a celebration of Dizzy's 75th birthday. This track shows little of the dexterity for which Dizzy was famous, but rather showcases two other aspects of his genius: his ability to assemble exemplary bands and his highly developed sense of phrasing. There are fine solos all around, including a masterful contribution by Mraz, who draws loud cheers from both his bandmates and the audience. The far-reaching and probative solos by Golson and Sanchez are marked contrasts to Gillespie's subtle, thematic improvisation, whose nuance could be called Armstrong-esque.
Reviewer: Mark Lomanno
Tags: 1990s jazz · billie's bounce · trumpet
Comments are closed.