Dizzy Gillespie in Paris, Vol. 2

AMG Review of Dizzy Gillespie in Paris, Vol. 2

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The second of two CD volumes of Dizzy Gillespie performances put out by Vogue has the full contents from three of his Paris studio sessions. The great trumpeter heads a quintet that includes tenor saxophonist Don Byas and pianist Arnold Ross on four songs (plus three alternate takes); highlights include Gillespie's playing on "I Cover the Waterfront," and his vocal on the two versions of "Say Eh." The most rewarding of the sets finds him leading a septet on such numbers as "Cripple Crapple Crutch" (which has his classic blues vocal), "Somebody Loves Me," and two versions of "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams." The final eight selections feature Dizzy Gillespie's regular band of 1953 (with trombonist Nat Peck in baritonist Bill Graham's place). Vocalist Joe Carroll helps out on a couple of the numbers, and Gillespie is in particularly memorable form on "My Man" and "'S Wonderful." This highly enjoyable music is easily recommended.