Customer Reviews

Things to Come

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was present for this recording as well, in the intimate confines of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh, and it was a BLAST. Jon Faddis did a great job of 'carrying on' for the late Master...and just seeing the reed section assembled there that night - all of whom were thoughouly enjoying themselves...Jimmy Heath in particular, who never stopped grinning the whole night -Moody, Heath, Wess, Smulyan, and Hart, along with greats Slide Hampton, Pittsburgher Jay Ashby, and his brother Marty on guitar, Claudio Roditi, Terrell Stafford, and the suprise of the night for myself and many others, the incredible piano playing of Renee Rosnes, who sparkled. Drummer Dennis Makrel did not disappoint, nor did percussionist "Duke" either! Being there was a real trip, I must say, but somehow that magic didn't quite translate onto this CD, in my opinion. Still, this is a swinging, talented band, and Jon Faddis was as good as anyone can be stepping into the over-sized shoes of Diz. For the real deal, Live also, I would suggest Dizzy's "Live at Newport 1957". Although these arrangements are tight and grooving, some are nearly carbon copies of those Diz gems at Newport; like "I Remember Clifford", and "Night In Tunisia".

This group sure hasn`t lost any of the drive or spirit of Dizzy`s bands. All the trumpet men are outstanding and powerful. A couple of them even have chops reminiscent of Dizzy himself. One thing else I do have to say though; there was only one DIZZY GILLESPIE. But take my word, this is a great band with some outstanding trumpet players.

I had the distinct pleasure of being at this concert. It was recorded at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild, a small and acoustically excellent concert hall in Pittsburgh. The album does justice to what was one of the 3 or 4 best live jazz performances I have ever attended. John Faddis has turned into a first rate orchestra leader, and gets a chance to wail once in a while. The assembled stars are all in good form. Renee Rosnes, with whom I was not previously familiar, was a revelation.

Wow, this is one mad good album. The arranging is outstanding and the personel for the band is just astonishing. Check this out, you won't be disappointed!