Search - Dizzy Gillespie :: Blue Moon

Not essential, but worth a listen

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit | New Jersey | 07/07/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album showcases Dizzy performing his trumpet magic in front of a lush string section, much like Charlie Parker had done during the same period. Although Dizzy's playing is superb as always, the arrangements here are very safe and un-bebop like. Imagine Dizzy playing with Jackie Gleason's orchestra and you get the idea. That's not to say this isn't good, but it's like putting a few drops of tabasco sauce in a glass of milk.



Of the 10 tracks on this disc, the highlight has to be "Night and Day." Dizzy breaks out for one of the few times on the album with this song, the Cole Porter classic. The arrangement is very engaging as well.



One could make the argument that this recording is a step backwards for Dizzy in a creative sense. But I suppose if you just want something pleasant to listen to on a Friday evening, this will do the job. I can't help but think that there are many other albums that do it better, however.



One note for the more detail-oriented - there are zero liner notes with this disc. No recording dates, no personnel listings - nothing!"