Dizzy Gillespie & Max Roach - In Paris

The bulk of this CD from the French Vogue label features the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra in particularly strong form at a Paris concert. In addition to the leader/trumpeter, the main soloists are altoist Howard Johnson, Big Nick Nicholas on tenor, pianist John Lewis and Chano Pozo on congas. The highlights of this date (which was formerly made available domestically on Lp by Prestige) include "Woody'N' You," "I Can't Get Started," "Good Bait," "Afro-Cuban Drum Suite" (which is really "Cubana Be") and "Things to Come." In addition there are four selections from a 1949 quintet led by drummer Max Roach that stars trumpeter Kenny Dorham, James Moody on tenor and pianist Al Haig. Read More