The ecstasy and delicacy of your subtitle describes these Dizzy Gillespie albums perfectly. Loved your comment about Dean Martin even as I too wonder about the economics of releasing this awesome music on vinyl so late in the game.
Great writing as always, Robert. I always learn something new from your descriptions, which increase my appreciation of these timelines pieces all the more.
Great tracks and stories. I love the humanity and humor of these guys. It was only recently I started looking up Sonny Rollins on his own, but he featured on many records I listened to over the years. I can't remember the album, or who he was talking to, but it starts off with Rollins asking "Did you bring the fried chicken?"
I look forward to what you have to say about The Tunesmith. I had the honor of meeting him and heating him speak at an APRA/ASCAP conference in Melbourne many years ago. It was probably just another boring event for him, but for me it was something special. So many of the musicians and writers we love are names on a dust jacket.
I'm not sure what Rollins' recording that would be - it's one I haven't gotten to yet.
I've written a bit about Jim Webb on essays about the 5th Dimension and Johnny Rivers. My next essay is about Mac Davis, who brought a similar emotionalism to Webb, among other things.
I do and kick myself that I did not pick up a CD of Gillespie's other recording with Stitt or Rollins from around the same time. One day, I'll add them to my collection (I haven't heard any of it other than 'Con Alma' a long time ago).
The ecstasy and delicacy of your subtitle describes these Dizzy Gillespie albums perfectly. Loved your comment about Dean Martin even as I too wonder about the economics of releasing this awesome music on vinyl so late in the game.
Great writing as always, Robert. I always learn something new from your descriptions, which increase my appreciation of these timelines pieces all the more.
Thanks, Andrew - after a somewhat tough day at my day job, your kind comment is the pick-me-up I needed!
Really enjoyed reading this - Dizzy is a favorite for sure. Thank you!
Thanks for reading and for the kind words - appreciate it!
Great tracks and stories. I love the humanity and humor of these guys. It was only recently I started looking up Sonny Rollins on his own, but he featured on many records I listened to over the years. I can't remember the album, or who he was talking to, but it starts off with Rollins asking "Did you bring the fried chicken?"
I look forward to what you have to say about The Tunesmith. I had the honor of meeting him and heating him speak at an APRA/ASCAP conference in Melbourne many years ago. It was probably just another boring event for him, but for me it was something special. So many of the musicians and writers we love are names on a dust jacket.
I'm not sure what Rollins' recording that would be - it's one I haven't gotten to yet.
I've written a bit about Jim Webb on essays about the 5th Dimension and Johnny Rivers. My next essay is about Mac Davis, who brought a similar emotionalism to Webb, among other things.
Great piece! Do you know this release that has the Sonny Side Up recordings and more? Still can find it around for a good price: https://www.discogs.com/release/27620976-Dizzy-Gillespie-The-Sonny-RollinsSonny-Stitt-Sessions
I do and kick myself that I did not pick up a CD of Gillespie's other recording with Stitt or Rollins from around the same time. One day, I'll add them to my collection (I haven't heard any of it other than 'Con Alma' a long time ago).