Dizzy Gillespie: Have Trumpet, Will Excite / The Ebullient Mr. Gillespie auf 2 CDs

Featuring: Dizzy Gillespie (tp & vcl), Junior Mance (p), Les Spann (g & fl), Sam Jones (b), Lex Humphries (d), Francisco “Chino” Pozo (conga)

Though Dizzy Gillespie’s 1959 quintet had lesser names than his previous groups, the standard of performance he delivered remained at the same high level. The main soloist, he was the old master clearly invigorated by his young colleagues. His front line partner here was Les Spann; doubling on guitar and flute, he proved to be a fine guitarist with laconic tone and manner of execution, while his flute playing was assured and skilful. The distinctive, soul-tinged piano of Junior Mance, with Lex Humphries on drums, and Sam Jones on bass, formed a strong, responsive rhythm section.

This quintet was for the most part a working band on the club and concert circuit, offering a neat mixture of Gillespie’s entertaining songs, established repertoire, and some Latin and African-influenced pieces. With this quintet, Dizzy found a middle ground in his music that gave his bebop legacy room to breathe, but with much more rhythmic variety and accessibility. (freshsoundrecords. com)