Dizzy's Big 4

by Mickey Roker, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Joe Pass

Overview

Dizzy Gillespie omits a piano on these 1974 sessions, but it is never missed due to the potent rhythm section supplied by guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Mickey Roker. Starting with the inspired, occasionally funky Latin-flavored "Frelimo" (which features the leader on both muted and open trumpet), Gillespie is in top form. His deliberate treatment of the forgotten chestnut "Hurry Home" is a lyrical gem, while the breezy setting of the standard "Russian Lullaby" bubbles with excitement. But the fireworks take place in the rapid-fire performance of Gillespie's "Be Bop (Dizzy's Fingers)," in which Pass seems to play at an impossible tempo. Just as much fun is the sassy, intricate interpretation of the trumpeter's blues "Birk's Works," powered by Brown's potent bass, along with the hip updated treatment of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." This is easily one of Dizzy Gillespie's best small-group recordings from the latter portion of his career. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	07/12/2024
Label:	Analogue Prod.
UPC:	0753088015816
Rank:	133512

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Ray Brown   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Bass
Joe Pass   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Guitar
Mickey Roker   Primary Artist,Drums
Dizzy Gillespie   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Dizzy Gillespie's Big 4   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Gavin Lurssen   Mastering
Eric Miller   Engineer,Remixing
Doug Sax   Mastering
Joe Pass   Performer
Joseph Meyer   Composer
Richard Maltby, Jr.   Composer
Ray Brown   Performer
Norman Granz   Producer
Mickey Roker   Performer
Kurt Weill   Composer
David Luke   Remixing
Kate Wolf   Composer
Buddy Bernier   Composer
Phil DeLancie   Mastering
Maxwell Anderson   Composer
Ron Lewter   Mastering
Phil Stern   Cover Photo,Photography
Benny Green   Liner Notes
Fats Waller   Composer
Dizzy Gillespie   Performer,Composer
Irving Berlin   Composer
Bob Emmerich   Composer
Seth Presant   Mixing
Angel Balestier   Engineer
Robert Bob D. Emmerick   Composer