Dizzy Gillespie Quintet (Live in Stuttgart, 1961) (CD, Jazzhaus)

This is the re-release of the Jazzhaus bestseller 101711, recorded live in 1961 in Stuttgart and Frankfurt. Gillespie saw himself not only as an artist. He wanted to act as a person, fought against drug abuse, educational needs and segregation. It makes sense to be aware of this philanthropic attitude when listening to Gillespie’s music. Gillespie’s melodies were smooth in an engaging way, there was something radiantly numinous about his tone that extended beyond the instrument. And in his best improvising, often breathtakingly virtuoso moments, he managed to inspire fellow players and audience so that they felt part of an extraordinary moment. You noticed that in Stuttgart when he turned into the Liederhalle in November 1961, and you can still feel it today from the distance.