Dizzy Gillespie - One Night In Washington (1983)

ELEKTRA/MUSICIAN MONTH (FEBRUARY 2023)

A release in the Elektra/Musician label's Jazz Master Series, a previously unreleased performance from the private collection of Bill Potts, recorded live on Sunday, March 13, 1955, at Club Kavakos, Washington, D.C., "The Home of the Largest Glass of Beer."

Liner notes from Dizzy Gillespie as well as producer/archivist Bill Potts and Dizzy describe the scene:

Click to enlarge.

Exactly as advertised, we're treated to Dizzy playing his signature Afro-Cuban bebop big band music featuring a 17 minute Afro Suite, originally titled Manteca Suite. Energy is high, Dizzy is in fine form, and the band is tight. It sounds like the place was packed and the joint was swingin' that evening. 

Including this album, Bill Potts also contributed three tapes from his archives to the Elektra/Musician Jazz Masters series. Potts also contributed posthumous releases from Bud Powell and Charlie Parker.

Reviews/ratings:

• Billboard: "Exhilarating."
• Musician: "never bolder nor more inspired"
• The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: 6 tracks and they're all smokin', but my top picks are the aforementioned Afro Suite and Caravan.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Ken Burns JAZZ Collection (2000)

Endlessly (1988)