Dizzy Gillespie On Piano Jazz

Published July 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM EDT

2017 marked the centennial of jazz giant Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993). In a classic episode of Piano Jazz from 1985, Gillespie discusses his work with Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, demonstrates various rhythmic progressions and shares his theory on Aretha Franklin's unique vocal phrasing. Inspired by the session, host Marian McPartland spontaneously creates two new compositions in Gillespie's honor: "For Dizzy" and "A Portrait Of Diz." They perform several of Dizzy's tunes, including "A Night In Tunisia" and "In A Mellow Tone."

Originally broadcast in the spring of 1985.

SET LIST

"Con Alma" (Gillespie)

"In A Mellow Tone" (Ellington, Gabler)

"On The Alamo" (Jones, Kahn)

"Manteca" (Gillespie, Fuller, Pozo)

"For Dizzy" (McPartland)

"Lullaby Of The Leaves" (Petkere, Young)

"Round Midnight" (Monk, Williams, Hanighen)

"Portrait Of Dizzy" (McPartland)

"Night In Tunisia" (Gillespie, Paperelli)