CiTR

Modern Jazz pioneer Dizzy Gillespie thrived in front of a big band and he had several over his long career. This was what became known as "The State Department Band" and it was his second big band. It was called that because of two major tours sponsored by the US State Department, one to the Middle east and Greece and the other to South America. Dizzy toured the US too, playing clubs, concerts, festivals etc. This great and well recorded set was done at a large supper club in Chester, Pennsylvania called The Club Bel-Aire at the end of a week's engagement on June 14,1957. Some great soloists are heard aside from the magnificent Gillespie. Young trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonists Benny Golson and Billy Mitchell and altoists, Ernie Henry and Jimmy Powell and trombonist Al Grey. Charlie Persip on drums does a great job and plays hand in glove with bassist Tommy Bryant and pianist Wynton Kelly. A nice variety of tunes from some great standards to originals are heard. The band was "on" this night at the Club Bel-Aire as you'll hear! Dizzy forever!