Melodie Jazz Classic
2004
Chronological Classics: Dizzy Gillespie 1952-1953
About This Album
Longtime collectors of vintage Dizzy Gillespie recordings will be delighted with this package of predominantly but not exclusively Parisian blowing sessions. The eighth installment in the Classics Dizzy Gillespie chronology opens with three selections from a Blue Star date that took place in Paris on April 6, 1952. A hauntingly soulful "Summertime" is followed by a refreshing "Blue Moon." This is Diz in his early maturity, full of cool whimsy. "Blues Chanté" is essentially a rehearsal take for the excellent "Cripple Crapple Crutch," a humorous blues containing references to a blind sow, a crippled crab, and an elephant's member. This and seven subsequent tracks were recorded for the Vogue label with a sextet featuring tenor saxophonist Don Byas, the brothers Hubert and Raymond Fol, and aspiring bassist Pierre Michelot on April 11, 1952. With the exception of the aforementioned blues and a smart version of Tadd Dameron's "Lady Bird" (here titled "Dizzy Song") the play list for this richly rewarding session is all standards and ballads. Back in the U.S.A. on July 18th, Gillespie presided over a Dee Gee recording date in Chicago with 20-year-old pianist Wynton Kelly and outrageous vocalist Joe "Be Bop" Carroll.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,17,18,19,20 and 24)

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