October 29, 2006 Groovin' High with Dizzy Gillespie and Friends
Tonight I celebrated the music and life of Dizzy Gillespie, who went to high school in Laurinburg, NC. I had two special guests in the studio with me - Suzie Wilde, a children's book reviewer; and T.J. Anderson, a leading 'classical' composer who pulls on jazz and other music genres. I was celebrating, albeit a little late, the birthday of Dizzy (October 21st). You can listen to my show, Melva's Musings on Jazz, on the internet by linking to me Sunday nights from 7:00-9:00 on www.communityradio.coop, and then click on the button in the upper righthand corner.

Suzie read a wonderful new children's book, Dizzy; while I interspersed the story with pieces of Dizzy's music (see play list below). This is a wonderful way for children to learn about both the lives of musicians and their music at the same time, creating a powerful and memorable synergy. Afterwards I interviewed T.J. Anderson about Dizzy. T.J. was head of the Music Department at Tufts and spent time in the clubs of NYC when the greats where exploring the new world and sounds of Bebop - such as Dizzy, Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk. T.J. told wonderful stories retelling memories and fun times with Dizzy, while also describing the new Bebop sounds that Dizzy, and others, was birthing. T.J. is a walking, talking jazz history book told from personal experiences. I will have him come back to share his music.

October 29, 2006 Playlist

• A Night in Tunisia; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Salt Peanuts; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Blue Rhythm Fantasy; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Dizzy Atmosphere; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Ko Ko; Charlie Parker & Dizzy; Ken Burns Jazz Series CD
  
• You Stole My Wife You Horse Thief You; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• I'm Be Boppin' Too; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Round Midnight; Dizzy and Marian McPartland; Piano Jazz with Dizzy CD
• Opp-Bop-Sh'bam; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• BeBop; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1039-1950 CD
• A Night in Tunisia; Dizzy & Marian McPartland; Piano Jazz with Dizzy CD
• Manteca (Funky Lowlives Remix); Verve Remixed 2
• More to Come; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• When I Grow Too Old to Dream; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD
• Cherokee; Dizzy; The Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-1950 CD

Happy Birthday, Dizzy - and thanks to Suzie Wilde and T.J. Anderson for making it such a special evening!