Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie, trumpet; Charlie Parker, alto sax; Don Byas, tenor sax; Al Haig, piano; Curley Russell, bass; Max Roach and Sidney Catlett, drums; Symphony Sid Torin, emcee
The discovery of seven acetate discs containing this remarkable recording is to Jazz lovers perhaps one of the greatest musical finds ever. This long-lost gem features the architects of modern jazz, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, on tunes like "Bebop," "Hot House," "Groovin' High," "Salt Peanuts," and "A Night in Tunisia."
These tunes, played here live and with extended solos and often at killer tempos, capture Dizzy and Bird at their creative peak. All the musicians on this date are in top form, and as an added historical attraction, the voice of radio announcer Symphony Sid can be heard announcing the songs and talking to the band and audience.
The sound quality is remarkably good considering this was recorded live in 1945. Uptown Records has done a superb job of restoring the acetates and transferring them to CD.
by Linda Goshay
Copyright Jazz Now, September 2005, all rights reserved.
Jazz Now Interactive September 2005 Vol 15 No. 5 - Table of Contents
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