Search - Dizzy Gillespie :: Symphony Sessions

Best Left Unplayed

Dennis S. Marynick | Southwest U.S. | 12/17/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"The great Dizzy Gillespie recorded this CD in 1989 with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a few additional side men. Diz passed away in 1993. Gillespie is one of my favorite musicians; however, at this point in his career his capabilities on the trumpet had faded drastically. Sadly, this CD doesn't offer much. Diz does not play well, and even the quality of the recording is sub-standard. If you want to hear Gillespie when he was on the top of the jazz world, pick up any of the following: Dizzier and Dizzier, OO Bop, Briks Works or Rhythmstick. Better yet- get them all."

I like it a lot

VancouverPC | 07/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really like this album. I am not an afficionado of Dizzy, and I can't state that his playing here is as good as previous efforts, but it sure is good! Diz was 72 when he did this! If you're a piston brass player, you can just feel how he's slamming those valves down as he does those amazing runs that are like a rollercoaster going up and down, with each tie of the track a beautiful note.



Having the orchestral accompaniment is very nice, and all the songs are Dizzy's own compositions. Unless you're a forensic jazz trumpet specialist, and even then you're hard pressed to knock this work, pick this up and play it!"