Die Berliner Mauer 1961 1989

These performances derive from two quintet concerts in Germany: early, 1953 (first 5 tunes) and December, 1961 (remainder). Dizzy is in prime form on both occasions. The first band (his undistinguished New York group of the time, Bill Graham with a few short bari solos) stays in the background, allows Diz to shine. The second quintet carries more weight with Lalo Schifrin (piano), Leo Wright (alto), and Mel Lewis subbing on drums. Schifrin was just coming into prominence as Dizzy's musical director, and he brought a lot of Latin energy and authenticity into the band. He had premiered his tango "Long Long Summer" a few weeks before at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Schifrin also takes some virtuosic piano solos. Typically an understated accompanist, Lewis steps forward and stirs things up though he doesn't actually solo…

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross made their debut on Columbia in 1959, and this CD contains not only all of the music from their first CBS album, but five titles from two later records. This set has many memorable classics from the great singers Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks (the top vocalese lyricist) and Annie Ross. Highlights include the upbeat "Charleston Alley," a remake of Ross' "Twisted," the heated "Cloudburst," Hendricks' humorous "Gimme That Wine," "Summertime" (a recreation of Miles Davis' version with Gil Evans), and "Come on Home." Although Lambert, Hendricks and Ross only lasted a few years, their influence on other vocal groups was enormous. This set is a perfect place for collectors to begin to explore their vocal magic.