DIZZY GILLESPIE™ ALL-STAR BIG BAND

FEATURING:
Slide Hampton, trombone, musical director
John Lee, bass & producer
James Moody, tenor saxophone, flute
Jimmy Heath, tenor saxophone
Roy Hargrove, trumpet
Claudio Roditi, trumpet
Greg Gisbert, trumpet
Frank Greene, trumpet
Antonio Hart, alto saxophone
Mark Gross, saxophone
Gary Smulyan, bari saxophone
Steve Davis, trombone
Jason Jackson, trombone
Michael Dease, trombone
Jeff Nelson, bass trombone
Cyrus Chestnut, piano
Lewis Nash drums
Roberta Gambarini, vocals

Jazz history is brought to life with the Dizzy Gillespie™ All-Star Big Band every time they take the stage. While the band's music is historically significant (most of it from the vast catalog of Gillespie big-band repertoire since the ' 50s) - the band members themselves are living legends and among the most heralded jazz musicians of our time. Instead of headlining, as these band members usually do, the likes of James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, and Antonio Hart appear together on stage, mixing the playful Gillespie antics with the intensity of a cut-throat blowing session. The band's latest album, "Dizzy's Business," was released in the Fall of 2006.

Slide Hampton Known as one of the most important trombonists of all times, Slide worked frequently with Dizzy from 1963-1990, and was a founding member of Dizzy's United Nation Orchestra. He is also the director of the "Jazzmasters Big Band". Slide is equally renowned for his arranging skills, and is considered to be one of the finest arrangers in jazz today. His numerous credits include Dexter Gordon and Maynard Ferguson.

James Moody No one musician spent more time with Dizzy Gillespie than James Moody. He first appeared with Dizzy's big band in 1947 and continued to perform with him untill 1992. Aside from being one of the premier saxophonists in jazz, his flute playing is legendary. He is world renowned for his masterpiece of jazz improvision "Moody's Mood for Love". Dizzy once said, "Playing with James Moody is like playing with a continuation of myself".

John Lee From 1984 to 1992, John served as Dizzy's bassist, playing in the small groups, Dizzy's 70th Anniversary Big Band and the United Nation Orchestra. A composer, producer and teacher, John has played in the bands of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, Larry Coryell, Joe Henderson, and is currently a member of the Fantasy Band. Other credits include appearances with Gil Evans, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Fredie Hubbard and Claudio Roditi.