alone together
maybe the players felt they had to compensate for lack of other instruments, or maybe it's the individual styles of gillespie and peterson together. all stops are pulled out on this one. and the songs selected are great choices, 4 of them by gillespie, and there's autumn leaves and ellington's caravan. a must have for fans of gillespie and fans of peterson.
Two giants on fire
The fact that Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson were two of the giants of Jazz on their respective instruments of course means this is completely irrelevent. This album was recorded in November 1974 and as the cover indicates it is a duet album, so there is no bass and drums backing up the Trumpet and Piano. Dizzy Gillespie was one of the pioneers of bebop in the 1940's and Oscar Peterson, if not the most influential of Pianists, is one of the most prolific and popular Jazz artists ever. He is/was blessed with fantastic technique but sometimes this drowned out his many other talents as a composer and accompanist.
Well to cut a long story short this is a great album. In 1974 Gillespie was still playing as near his best ever as make no difference and Peterson was playing at his at his absolute zenith. This soon becomes apparent when you start listening to 'Caravan' (track 1). Taken at a blistering tempo, and remember without bass and drums, both players are on top form. So much is happening on this track musically both harmonically and rhythmically, that I'm sure a formal musical analysis would reveal the same sort subtleties you'd find in a full score.
As a complete contrast 'Blues for Bird' (track 5) is a blues. As compared with 'Caravan' this is a bit slower for the first 5 minutes, then it becomes a really slow blues. Theres some marvellous playing here: Dizzy double or triple tonqueing some very fast repeated notes - Oscar responds by playing doubletime stride underneath. Shortly after this exchange it then hits the slow part of the blues and then there is another 7 minutes of brilliant solos. The track finishes with a restrained and quiet ending rather than the barnstorming down home ending you might expect.
This is one of a series of albums that Oscar Peterson recorded with the 'Trumpet Kings'. The other Trumpeters are: Roy Eldridge, Clark Terry, Jon Faddis and Harry Edison. All are worth getting - start saving!
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Two Giants holding it down
they Blend so well together&you are just vibing off there Musical Chemsitry. Dizzy&Oscar run up&down on these tracks with a vibe that never falls out. they both have signature Sounds to there Respective Musical Instruments. this Album is well complimented of there Styles. strong arrangements&a Blend that you want more of .
Five Stars Easily
Dizzy and Oscar, all by themselves, play mind-bogglingly. An incredible little album with two masters giving fast-paced and subtle duets in some great numbers. Listening very closely to their dual-spontaneity is extremely rewarding. I've heard this album over and over, and it will never wear on me. Captures intensity, playfulness, inventiveness, and smooth control all at once. Really a must-have for anyone who collects jazz, especially if you enjoy bop.
You can see a complete list of all Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie discography, or go back to the Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie tabs
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