An underappreciated Dizzy Gillespie record on Verve, includes some s-s-smokin’ thoughts of “Con Alma” — two, in fact.
Produced by Norman Granz, this new “Con Alma” lets you pull apart that Latin jazz masterpiece. The solos are, of course, different — but the pace is more relaxed, too. And Sonny Stitt, the Charlie Parker disciple, plays it long and cool.
There was more, it turns out: When Phil Schapp remastered “Duets” in 1988, they found a new tune (called it “Anythin’,” after an off-hand comment by Diz on the the session) that includes Stitt’s only alto work on the session.
A swinging highlight.
‘Half Notes’ are quick-take thoughts on music from Something Else! Reviews, presented whenever the mood strikes us.
Nick DeRiso has written for USA Today, American Songwriter, All About Jazz, and a host of others. Honored five times as columnist of the year, he oversaw a daily section named Top 10 in the U.S. by the Associated Press before co-founding Something Else! Nick is now assistant managing editor with Townsquare Media. www.nickderiso.com
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