Dizzy on the French Riviera (Dig)

Comment: Only two words are necessary to opine on this album: "Totally Joyous!"

I purchased the original back in the early 60's and immediately fell in love with it, pretty much wearing out the grooves on the original LP. I was thrilled to see that it had finally been reissued as a CD and quickly reestablished it in my collection.

Lalo's solo in "No More Blues" is one of the finest examples of Latin piano ever! Dizzy is great interspersed throughout and the rest of the group just happily swing along perfectly.

Anyone who doesn't fall in love with this album doesn't like jazz, music or life!

Comment: Many others have said how special this album is I agree that this is one of Dizzy's finest sets, maybe his best ever, for all of the reasons given.

Why has it been overlooked? Although much loved by listeners, it gets short shrift from critics, not for any good reason. Much as I love Dizzy, he did not make a lot of great albums in my opinion, which makes it even more surprising that such a good cohesive set like this should have been dissed. No matter. It's back in print. I'd already stashed two copies of the LP, so that I would never be without.

Comment: I have this recording on LP and for years used it as my reference. Now it is remastered for CD in a way to capture all the greatness of the orginal recording. If you love Diz you have to have this.

Comment: Oh joy!! After all these years this fabulous recording is finally available on CD, and I just got my copy in the mail. I bought the LP when it first came out and was blown away by the amazing festival atmosphere created by this collection of fine musicians. Apart from Dizzy's genius, it just sounds as though they're all having such a great time on the Riviera. I somehow lost the LP in my travels in the '80's and so I want to say thank you for such a great re-mastering, and also for including all of the original art work. Signed: 'A very happy old jazz fan'

Comment: This magnificant live performance from Jan Les Pins in 1962 has finally been released on CD!!. It was always one of Gillespie's best---along with another live recording by the same group (Leo Wright, alto and flute, Lalo Schiffran, piano and most significantly, arranger, Chris White, and Rudy Collins) called "An Electrifying Evening With the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet" on Verve (which was, and hopefully still is, available on a Verve CD reissue). I believe these are the only two recordings of this fabulous group, and both are essential. Gillespie was at his best, Leo Wright is simply on fire on alto, and the kicker is the amazing piano and arranging of Schiffran. This CD conveys the wonderful seaside atmosphere of Juan Les Pins, and the addition of a percussionist and a guitarist add to the authentic flavor of the occasion. Snatch this one up, as well as the other live recording CD by this short-lived group.