Search - Dizzy Gillespie :: An Electrifying Evening with Dizzy Gillespie

Short changed

Kenneth Krupa | 08/26/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This brief album is okay; the quartet had been stronger a few months earlier with Chris White and Rudy Collins. But Lalo Shifrin and Leo Wright are up to par, as is Dizzy. The leader's opening flurry on Night In Tunisia, in one breath, is worth the price of the album. But it's very familiar music, and the sound quality is spotty. An 18-minute interview with Diz, used to pad the album, can barely be heard--and isn't worth hearing. In short, there are much better Diz recordings from this period, 1961, available."

Electric Dizzy

S J Buck | Kent, UK | 09/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dizzy Gillespie was still at the height of his powers when this recording was made in February 1961. Having led the be-bop revolution with Charlie Parker, 15 years later this catches him with another fabulous band:



Leo Wright - Alto Sax & Flute

Lalo Schrifin - Piano

Bob Cunningham - Bass

Chuck Lampton - Drums



Lalo Schrifin of course is now more famous as a film score composer who wrote the themes to Mission Impossible, Dirty Harry and literally hundreds of other films. He's a great Jazz pianist as well.



The tracks are:

1. Kush

2. Salt Peanuts

3. A Night In Tunisia

4. The Mooche

5. Interview with Dizzy Gillespie



The highlight musically is "A Night in A Tunisia" which ranks as one of the best versions ever. The interview occurred on stage immediately after the concert and lasts for 18mins. Dizzy displays his usual sense of humour and is interesting to listen to. For example talking about Trumpet battles with Roy Eldridge at Mintons:



"Well it wasn't such of a battle, because I came so unarmed, it was sort of a slaughter..."



So this is great music, with a fascinating and frequently funny interview.

"

Electrifying? Yes!

Kenneth Krupa | Tolland, CT United States | 01/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album, with Diz and company in top form, when Diz was at his peak. The sound quality is very good, and captures the feeling and excitment of the live performance. I've had this album since the early sixties, and it's still one of my all time favorites."