Search - Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie :: Gifted Ones

Gifted Ones
Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie
Gifted Ones
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (6) - Disc #1

This 1977 date joins two jazz giants with contrasting approaches: Gillespie's explosive bop trumpet virtuosity and Basie's laconic piano style. The bare-bones quartet format--with the sterling rhythm team of bassist Ray Br...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie
Title: Gifted Ones
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Ojc
Original Release Date: 1/1/1977
Re-Release Date: 3/19/1996
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Swing Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 025218688628, 090204022762, 090204927920

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
This 1977 date joins two jazz giants with contrasting approaches: Gillespie's explosive bop trumpet virtuosity and Basie's laconic piano style. The bare-bones quartet format--with the sterling rhythm team of bassist Ray Brown and drummer Mickey Roker--does nothing to conceal the differences, but it sets up a comfortable middle ground that accommodates swing and bop nuances alike. Differences apart, the co-leaders share infectious warmth, a deep feeling for the blues, and an absolute compulsion to swing. Basie's understatement triggers some of Gillespie's most thoughtful playing of his later career, developing long, intricate solos that combine harmonic exploration and direct, speechlike inflections, often with the distinctive burr of a harmon mute. The settings--two Gillespie tunes, the ancient "St. James Infirmary," and a series of impromptu collaborations--are casual, doing nothing to encumber the musicians in a session they're clearly enjoying. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

Two of the best in the Jazz world collab on a pleasing CD!
lildjbrain | 06/19/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I stumbled across this disk through recommendations. When, I saw it had Dizzy and Baise together on the same CD. I thought dang it must be good! I've never even heard of a collaboration between the two untill now. On the CD Ray Brown keeps the rhythm simple and upbeat with his amazing talent on that instrument. Mickey Roker is on drums, to me on the album it seems he is holding back something. The drumming is good but its like he's scared because he's in the same room with the two of the greats. That's just me, tho. If you want some good drummers check out Krupa, Tony Williams, or Philly Joe Jones. They will knock you out. Three of the songs on the CD, Back to the land, You got it, and Follow the leader, are all written by diz and baise. They are great kicking tracks that will make you feel good and get up out of your chair and start dancing. They also have an interesting intrepration of "St. James Infirmary." Diz's playing on the cd seems as good as ever and Baise just kicks back, and lets his fingers on the piano do the talking. It would have been alot better album if they had someone like philly joe jones on the drums. Other than that, the playing is great and goes right into my Jazz collection of greats. So check it out already!"
One of the best ever!
Oscar H | Kansas City, Missouri United States | 05/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I consider this album to be one of the best jazz albums ever. Now, I know that is saying a lot because over the years there have been some awesome ones, but this album just grabs me and I forget the world when I listen to it. The version of "St. James Infirmary" is so full of feeling as both Basie and Dizzy take turns at making their instruments moan with the pain of death."
Could IT Have Been Better??...
Original Mixed Up-Kid | New York United States | 07/31/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"two great masters from different perspectives play on a bluesy moody set of songs ..stripped down and spontaneous...a real jam permeates the air..Not pure swing not pure bebop just a unique hybrid worth it's title...both are gifted indeed and it shows..Worthy of inclusion in one's collection.

Pairing these two giants should have made sparks fly,they do in a sublime way...

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