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Dizzy Gillespie spent the early 1950s recording for labels such as Savoy, Norgran, Clef and Debut, before signing to Verve Records in 1956. His first release with Verve was 1956's Dizzy In Greece, recorded shortly after the conclusion of Gillespie's State Department-sponsored world tour. In December 1957, Diz recorded with pioneering saxophonists Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins. The interplay between the participants resulted in some of the greatest moments recorded by any of them; the resultant album, Duets, came out in 1958. Sonny Side Up from 1959 again featured the same three musicians performing together. Dizzy Gillespie's next release on Verve was Have Trumpet, Will Excite! (1959). In a similar vein, An Electrifying Evening With The Dizzy Gillespie Quintet (1961), was recorded live at the Museum Of Modern Art in New York City. Gillespie saw out 1961 with Perceptions, his final album for Verve; he left the label the following year. The record featured a single composition and arrangement by trombonist J.J. Johnson, which blended jazz overtones with elements of classical music, while simultaneously allowing room for Gillespie's trademark solos. The ensemble was conducted by Gunther Schuller. Following his departure from Verve, Diz recorded for a number of other labels, including Pablo, Phillips, Impulse! and Atlantic, but with none of whom did he ever again reach the artistic heights he had achieved with Verve. This four disc collection, containing over five hours of music in total, features eight of the finest LPs Gillespie recorded for Verve Records during this pivotal period of his career. Showcasing scores of famous names and some of the best playing to grace jazz records of the era, this set will delight Gillespie fans universally, while also acting as a fine starting place for those new to this legendary musician's work.

Track Listing