Note: If this item looks familiar, it is because I mistakenly posted it on October 17. Today, October 21, is the correct date of Dizzy's birth, so the Rifftides staff is moving the piece to where it belongs and adding a couple of links—DR. This is the birthday of Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993). In observance, here is a remarkable confluence of the talents of Gillespie and the master composer and arranger Robert Farnon (1917-2005). The piece is Gillespie's "Con Alma," orchestrated by Farnon and … [Read more...]
Other Places: Kenny Wheeler
October 21, 2010 by
Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Kenny Wheeler, now in his 80s, is a man of so few words that he is nearly silent, but John Fordham of The Guardian managed to persuade Wheeler to talk about himself for an article. Anyone interested in the unceasingly searching trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer will want to read Fordham's piece. Here's an excerpt: He doesn't even call himself a composer, but someone who "takes pretty songs and joins them up." The soft-spoken Toronto-born musician has … [Read more...]
Recent Comments
Mike Davis on Passings: Stan Tracey, George Buck
A wonderful pianist/composer/bandleader who, when Zoot Sims made his debut at Ronnie Scott's (Gerard Street) club in 1961, provided stellar support for Zoot....Brew on Guest Column: A Brubeck Anniversary
I'm slightly over-Brubecked at the moment; but thanks for the excellent, quasi first-hand recommendation :)Kenny Harris on Passings: Stan Tracey, George Buck
I first met Stan Tracey when I was stationed in Egypt (1946) with the RAF. Stan came through with a show and was playing accordion....Mike Kaiser on Recent Listening: Holiday Albums
While not a holiday album, here's a video that illustrates what a creative big band arranger can do with a current pop tune. Here's...Doug Ramsey on Recent Listening: Holiday Albums
The album, And To All A Good Night, came out in 2010. Mr. Ramsay's enthusiasm for it is justified.