Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and his band featuring concert and studio performances recorded in Paris in 1953 and originally released on the French Disques Vogue and Blue Star labels. Many of the tracks were first released as 78 rpm records. On February 9, 1953, Dizzy Gillespie played a live concert at the Salle Pleyel in Paris that was recorded, though when excerpts were first released, there were only enough used to fill one 10" LP. Gillespie close to his best – as he is here – is very good indeed, The first ten of the 16 Gillespie-led studio tracks are much in the same vein, though not quite as lively as the concert material. This studio version of “Clappin' Rhythm” stands out as a highlight.
The final six of the Gillespie-led studio recordings finds the sextet supplemented by the Paris Operatic String Orchestra (with arrangements by Michel Legrand), and are good as bop-meets-orchestration goes, though orchestral arrangements don't play to Gillespie's strengths. The eight final cuts on disc two represent pianist Wade Legge's sole session he did as a leader, with the rhythm section of bassist Lou Hackney and drummer Al Jones. Though not too similar in tone to the Gillespie-led numbers that dominate this compilation – it's well-done if typical early-'50s bop, with the piano to the fore – it does round out this extended snapshot of the music Gillespie and his band were creating in Paris during this month.
Dizzy Gillespie – Trumpet, Wade Legge – Piano, Lou Hackney – Bass,
Al Jones – Drums, Joe ‘BeBop’ Carroll – Vocal
Recorded at Studio Pathe Magellan, Paris 22nd February 1953
Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl + CD