Dizzy's Dream Band

This film, recorded in 1982 at Lincoln Center, captures legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie performing with his Dream Band, consisting of a wide array of jazz music's finest musicians, many of whom worked with Gillespie during the evolutionary era of the early-'40s bebop period. It includes an all-star cast highlighted by pyrotechnic drum wizard Max Roach, Gillespie's protege trumpeter Jon Faddis, and Modern Jazz Quartet cofounders John Lewis (piano) and Milt Jackson (vibraphone). The leader's crowd-pleasing persona, trademark puffy cheeks, and no-nonsense trumpet solos steal the show. Selections range from Gillespie's Afro-Cubop favorites "Manteca," "Tin Tin Deo," and "A Night in Tunisia" with master percussionist Candido Camero, to the timeless bebop compositions "Groovin' High" (with baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan) and "Salt Peanuts (Vote Dizzy)." Along with rare archival footage of Gillespie and his greatest musical companion, alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, this collection accurately captures the artistry that made Dizzy Gillespie great.