jazz album of the week

This week we feature a live recording by 2 of the most important figures in jazz ever- Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie with "Town Hall- New York City- June 22, 1945"!

Recorded in 1945 but not released until 2005 on Uptown Records, this recording is a historical document of the bebop era and really jazz in whole. The recording quality is excellent compared to other live bootlegs from the same era and the playing is top notch. True to habit, Bird comes to the concert late. Luckily tenor saxophonist Don Byas was standing by to fill in for the first tune. (Bird does eventually enter halfway through the first tune). Another guest appearance by Big Sid Catlett on drums in a highlight of this recording.

Personnel:

Dizzy Gillespie-trumpet

Charlie Parker- alto saxophone

Don Byas- tenors saxophone (track 1 only)

Al Haig- piano

Curley Russell- bass

Max Roach- drums

Sid Catlett-drums (tracks 6 and 7 only)