Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band

Certainly one of the most revered jazz musicians of all time is Dizzy Gillespie. His virtuosity, compositions, and personality have all contributed to the legacy and institution that is (and has been since the mid 1940's) Dizzy Gillespie. Everything about Dizzy's music was truly Dizzy; everything he did musically was a direct testament to who he was personally. Gillespie's long-time collaborator and sometime instigator - they were known to have gone to jam sessions with their horns hidden under their coats; acting like they were just observing, they would wait for the perfect moment to "devour" the other musicians on stage. "This was known as an ambush," Dizzy said. - Charlie Parker once said, "If you haven't lived it, it won't come out of your horn." Dizzy Gillespie remains proof of this statement. Everything he played or composed represents everything that he was and loved. Among those loves were latin music, bebop, and humor - all of which are reflected in his music.
His music has created quite a following, and, being a man who was loved by all, Gillespie remains an often cause for celebration. One of these celebrations will be taking place next week here at the Blue Note. One of the most powerful big bands on the scene, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band is also one of the most star-studded. Featuring the likes of James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove, Slide Hampton, Cyrus Chesnut, and many more, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band is a show not to be missed. All of the artists are coming together to play tribute to a man that they love, and the music that they play is sure to reflect that. Come out June 9-14 to see what will surely be one of the most exciting shows of the year.