The Dizzy Gillespie

Dinner show doors open at 6pm, supper show doors open at 9:30pm

The Afro Cuban Experience ensemble, led by Dizzy Gillespie’s long-term bassist John Lee, showcases the unique rhythms and well-loved melodies (such as ‘Manteca’ and ‘Tin Tin Deo’) of Gillespie’s oeuvre of Cu-Bop which he developed with Chano Pozo in the 40s and 50s.

Their repertoire also explores the broader world of Latin-American music- the tunes that Dizzy would have been playing today.

The musicians are drawn from the high-calibre pool of New York-based talent that frequent the Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band and All Star groups, such as trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, saxophonist Sharel Cassity, Brazilian pianist / vocalist Abelita Mateus, drummer Tommy Campbell and percussionist Roger Squitero.

 They perform with energy, verve, and style, putting their own fresh stamp on a well-known genre.

 “…trumpeter Freddie Hendrix delivered searing high notes, pinched slurs and lines that darted off at angles. His phrasing is more angular than Gillespie’s, reflecting a later era in modern jazz. But his forceful delivery and quicksilver invention always demanded notice...” -Financial Times

“…the set sprang plenty of surprises…Lee’s electric bass was astonishingly light-footed. While the drummer Tommy Campbell supplied the Dizzy-esque tomfoolery, the band paid homage to Freddie Hubbard’s bristling version of Take It To The Ozone. This ghost band was clearly flesh and blood.” -The Times

“…Israeli guitarist Yotam Silberstein solos impressively, playing muted phrases, Moorish explorations and supercharged wah-wah riffs. Kit drummer Tommy Campbell has a fine line in dadaist drum solos…And Brazilian pianist Abelita Mateus sounds magnificent singing and playing samba and bossa nova…” -The Guardian

 Join the Dizzy Gillespie Afro Cuban Experience exclusively at Bird’s Basement. An experience not to be missed.

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