I am a fan of traditional jazz and American composers such as Count Basie, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and of course, John Birks (aka Dizzy) Gillespie. This classic tune was written in 1951 by the legendary trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who won many honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and who even ran for President of the United States in 1964.
I added a simple motif at the beginning and end of the tune, and had a light touch on the piano to balance the intensity from the band. Trumpeter Igmar Thomas steps in at :50 seconds in on our recording, heats up at 1:33 then reaches the improvisational climax starting around 2:20. The piano cools it back down again at 3:00. Along with band mates Obed Calvaire on drums and Luques Curtis on bass, everyone is contributing their talents in the moment to a beloved jazz classic.
If you are a Grammy voter, please listen to our recording and consider voting in the two categories listed above. You can listen here: iTunes YouTube:
Composer: John Birks Gillespie/ASCAP Publisher Dizlo Music Corp
Arrangement: Lisa Hilton/BMI from the album Paradise Cove Recorded by: Chandler Harrod at The Village Studios
Music Editing: Larry Mah Mixed by: Jay Newland Mastered by: Eric Boulanger at The Bakery® L.A.
“An enduring work.. standout performances." All About Jazz
“A cool, melodic set …the rhythmic support throughout is flawless.” Jazz Journal/UK
“An album of empathic give-and-take that makes for an intoxicating combination.” All Music Guide
“Jazz played with style, soul, spirit and sophistication…” Modern Jazz Today
Obed Calvaire/drums, Igmar Thomas/trumpet, Lisa Hilton/piano & arrangement and
Luques Curtis/bass at the Village Studios
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