DizzyÂ’s Business is a passionate, high-energy experience. The 13 tracks on The Dizzy Gillespie™ All-Star Big BandÂ’s sophomore CD – built on Dizzy GillespieÂ’s original big band charts with new arrangements by musical director and Grammy Award winning arranger Slide Hampton, master saxophonist Jimmy Heath and drummer extraordinare Dennis Mackrel – come to life through the collective talents of what can only be categorized as GillespieÂ’s Â"dream band.Â"
Recorded live at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh, PA, during a four-night stand in September-October 2005, Dizzy’s Business showcases the talents of 18 disciples from the Gillespie school – many of them musical luminaries in their own right – under the leadership of the great trombonist Slide Hampton. Included in the star-studded lineup are Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Frank Wess, Claudio Roditi, Randy Brecker, Antonio Hart, and Executive Director John Lee – all veterans who played with Dizzy at various times throughout the past five decades. Special guest trumpeter Roy Hargrove and the Italian-born vocal sensation Roberta Gambarini round out the ensemble. Hargrove lends his expert sound and riveting solos while Gambarini brings a remarkable range and gift for improvisation.
