This CD features
Dizzy Gillespie's second great big band at the peak of its powers. On the rapid "Dizzy's Blues" and a truly blazing "Cool Breeze," the orchestra really roars; the latter performance features extraordinary solos by
Gillespie, trombonist
Al Grey, and tenor saxophonist
Billy Mitchell. In addition to fine renditions of "Manteca" and
Benny Golson's then-recent composition "I Remember Clifford," the humorous "Doodlin'" is given a definitive treatment, there is a fresh version of "A Night in Tunisia," and pianist
Mary Lou Williams sits in for a lengthy medley of selections from her "Zodiac Suite." This brilliant CD captures one of the high points of
Dizzy Gillespie's remarkable career and is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow