Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4 (2LP, 45RPM, Number 0945)
RARITY – Sealed
Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet [click here to see more vinyl featuring Dizzy Gillespie]
Joe Pass - guitar [click here to see more vinyl featuring Joe Pass]
Ray Brown - bass [click here to see other vinyl featuring Ray Brown]
Mickey Roker – drums
Written by Dizzy Gillespie (A1, C1, D2), Buddy Bernier (B1), Joseph Meyer (B1), Robert D. Emmerich (B1), Irving Berlin (B2), Kurt Weill (D1), Maxwell Anderson (D1), Fats Waller (D2)
2 LP, gatefold jacket
Limited numbered edition - Number 0945
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 45 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Label : Analogue Productions
Original Label : Pablo
Recorded September 17 & 19, 1974 in Los Angeles
Produced by Norman Granz
Remastered by Kevin Gray & Steve Hoffman at AcousTech Mastering
Originally released in 1975
Reissued in 2020
Tracks:
Side A:
- Tanga
Side B:
- Hurry Home
- Russian Lullaby
Side C:
- Be Bop (Dizzy's Fingers)
- Birks Works
Side D:
- September Song
- Jitterbug Waltz
Reviews:
“Dizzy Gillespie omits a piano on these 1974 sessions, but it is never missed due to the potent rhythm section supplied by guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Mickey Roker. Starting with the inspired, occasionally funky Latin-flavored "Frelimo" (which features the leader on both muted and open trumpet), Gillespie is in top form. His deliberate treatment of the forgotten chestnut "Hurry Home" is a lyrical gem, while the breezy setting of the standard "Russian Lullaby" bubbles with excitement. But the fireworks take place in the rapid-fire performance of Gillespie's "Be Bop (Dizzy's Fingers)," in which Pass seems to play at an impossible tempo. Just as much fun is the sassy, intricate interpretation of the trumpeter's blues "Birk's Works," powered by Brown's potent bass, along with the hip updated treatment of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." This is easily one of Dizzy Gillespie's best small-group recordings from the latter portion of his career.” AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden
"Bassist Ray Brown was part of Gillespie's short-lived big band rhythm section back in the day while guitarist Joe Pass and drummer Mickey Roker were of more recent vintage, but fully steeped in the vernacular of bop. The compositions chosen for performance are firmly in the bop vein, propelled by Gillespie's quicksilver mind and deliver. That said, the the global sonic footprint is one of a delicate surface tension. The playing is fluid and light, an essence or aroma that piques the memory.The seven original selections released originally are supplemented with alternate takes of Irving Berlin's "Russian Lullaby" and Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." Gillespie's playing on the Waller tune, both takes, is revelatory for both Gillespie's improvisational and arranging facilities. Roker and Brown establish an exotic rhythm over which Gillespie spreads muted notes like pedals. Pass provides filigree and harmonic directions, but the four musicians function very independently and this independence never threatens the integrity of the whole performance. "Russian Lullaby" is effected the same way. Gillespie choses a two-part format, where the song begins slow and plaintively with much introspection. Gillespie and Brown share an exquisite duet for a couple of choruses before picking things up and the remainder of the band joins. It is an evolution from largo to allegretto to presto.The collection is centered on "Be Bop (Dizzy's Fingers)," "Birk's Works," and "September Song." This is possibly the finest playing of Gillespie's late career. Pass is also in superb form. Pass is the guitar equivalent of pianist Oscar Peterson and the two of them acolytes of Art Tatum. Pass, particularly in solo performance, too often sacrificed practical brevity for virtuosity as Tatum did. A double-edged sword, virtuosity can at once be impressive and awe inspiring and boring. On this recording, Pass remains in the former camp, adding just enough juice to keep the Gillespie stimulus inspiring the recording date." All Jazz Music Review by C. Michael Bailey.
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4.5 / 5 , Discogs : 4.46 / 5 ; The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide : 5 / 5