Dizzy Gillespie - Live At Ronnie Scott's, vol.1~4 (1973) [2014] CD-Rip

What is so striking in listening to these four discs is the energy and enthusiasm of the band. Dizzy provides both funny comments in his song introductions as well as serious commentary (as on “The Truth”). The band members are in full sync with their leader, and had already been time tested after being on the road. Mickey Roker is a monster on the drum kit, especially with his African-influenced percussive solos. Pianist Mike Longo is both sensitive and funky on his contributions (and compositions), especially on gospel and blues tracks (i.e. “Sunshine”, “The Truth”, and “Matrix”). Bassist Earl May is a rock solid timekeeper and his “conversations” with Dizzy are endearing. Guitarist Al Gafa (who wrote “Beyond a Moonbeam”), leads the way on “The Crossing,” which commemorates the quintet’s voyage to Europe on the SS France. Al also has a hot solo on Dizzy’s “Ole for the French Gypsies.”

Gillespie’s prowess for samba and bossa nova are on full display throughout the Ronnie Scott gig as evidenced by “No More Blues”, “Black Orpheus”, and “Mike’s Samba” (written by Longo). Dizzy’s love of scatting is a highlight of “Oop-Pop-A-Da” as is Earl May’s walking bass. Gillespie is also well-known for his affection for Afro-Cuban rhythms that go back to his time with Chano Pozo. On “Kush” he uses Swahili chanting on exchanges with the band and the appreciative London audience.

The fidelity on these 40 year recordings is amazing and kudos go to Peter Bould, the sound engineer at the night club.


Tracks:



CD1:
01. Sunshine (14:33)
02. Black Orpheus (5:25)
03. Con Alma (11:13)
04. The Truth (14:18)
05. Timet (19:57 )



CD2:
01. A Night in Tunisia (12:04)
02. Matrix (10:20)
03. Beyond a Moonbeam (13:09)
04. Groovin' High (6:32)
05. The Blues (9:31)
06. Brother K (10:45)
07. Manteca (10:29)



CD3:
01. The Crossing (10:18)
02. Ole' for the Gypsies (15:44)
03. Something in Your Smile (5:36)
04. Nor More Blues (12:30)
05. Olinga (18:12)
06. Oo Popa Dah (5:21)
07. Birks Works (1:13)



CD4:
01. I Told You So (6:14)
02. Kush (19:57)
03. Summertime (15:33)
04. Alligator (13:34)
05. Mike's Samba (11:22)
06. Bye (1:02)

Personnel:

Dizzy Gillespie – trumpet
Mike Longo – piano
Al Gafa – electric guitar
Earl May – bass
Mickey Roker – drums