Dizzy Gillespie | Things to Come [LIVE]

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African American, Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Faddis, Trumpet

Dizzy Gillespie | Things to Come “LIVE” – [MCG JAZZ, 2002]

Dizzy Gillespie, Things to Come

I was present for this recording as well, in the intimate confines of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh, and it was a BLAST. Jon Faddis did a great job of ‘carrying on’ for the late Master…and just seeing the reed section assembled there that night – all of whom were thoughouly enjoying themselves…Jimmy Heath in particular, who never stopped grinning the whole night –Moody, Heath, Wess, Smulyan, and Hart, along with greats Slide Hampton, Pittsburgher Jay Ashby, and his brother Marty on guitar, Claudio Roditi, Terrell Stafford, and the surprise of the night for myself and many others, the incredible piano playing of Renee Rosnes, who sparkled. Drummer Dennis Makrel did not disappoint, nor did percussionist “Duke” either!

Being there was a real trip, I must say, but somehow that magic didn’t quite translate onto this CD, in my opinion. Still, this is a swinging, talented band, and Jon Faddis was as good as anyone can be stepping into the over-sized shoes of Diz. For the real deal, Live also, I would suggest Dizzy’s “Live at Newport 1957“. Although these arrangements are tight and grooving, some are nearly carbon copies of those Diz gems at Newport; like “I Remember Clifford“, and “Night In Tunisia“. —Douglas Negley /Amazon

Source: Amazon.com

Christian McBride Band | Sci-Fi

Tags

African American, Bass, Jazz

Christian McBride Band | Sci-Fi – [Verve Records, 2000] – Weekend Spin

Christian McBride Band, Sci-Fi

With Sci-Fi, the bassist has scored his best album since his 1996 debut, Number Two Express. The eleven tracks here run the gamut from heartfelt ballads to serious fusion workouts, and all points in between. McBride, who is at home on both acoustic and electric bass, also doubles on keyboards. His core band–Ron Blake (saxes), Shedrick Mitchell (keyboards) and Rodney Green (drums)–and the assorted guest musicians on the CD dive headfirst into the mainly jazz-rock sounds with power and precision.

From the time you hit the play button, highlights abound on the Philadelphia native’s latest album. His take on Steely Dan’s “Aja” is nothing short of electrifying. Blake and Mitchell turn in inspired solos on the song, and David Gilmore’s guitar solo absolutely smokes. “Uhura’s Moment Returned” is a combination of the Star Trek Theme & the Oliver Nelson standard, “Stolen Moments.” Mitchell shines once again on this tune, soloing effortlessly over McBride’s walking bass line. After an acoustic bass solo, McBride is rejoined by the rest of the band on the song’s theme.