Charlie Parker And Dizzy Gillespie - Bird And Diz (1974 Japanese Verve Mono LP)

Vinyl: EX
Sleeve: EX
Obi: None

Our grading system explained here.
Photo is of the actual item.

Charlie Parker And Dizzy Gillespie - Bird And Diz Vinyl LP - 1974 Japanese Verve Mono Reissue

A summit meeting of bebop's co-creators, Bird And Diz captures Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie leading a quintet through one historic June 1950 session at Norman Granz's studio. Backed by the extraordinary rhythm section of Thelonious Monk on piano, Curly Russell on bass, and Buddy Rich on drums, Parker's alto saxophone and Gillespie's trumpet navigate six original compositions plus the standard "My Melancholy Baby", with multiple alternate takes revealing the creative process behind these definitive performances. Released in Japan in 1974 as part of Verve's Immortal Jazz series and The Genius of Charlie Parker reissue programme, this mono pressing captures bebop's essential document at the peak of its power.

The pairing of Parker and Gillespie needs no justification. They created bebop together in the early 1940s, their harmonic innovations and rhythmic complexity revolutionising jazz. By 1950, both had become established bandleaders, making this collaboration particularly special. Compositions like "Bloomdido", "Mohawk", and "Leap Frog" showcase bebop's characteristics: rapid tempos, complex chord changes, and improvisation emphasising harmonic and rhythmic sophistication. The inclusion of multiple alternate takes (three versions of "Leap Frog", two of "Mohawk" and others) allows listeners to hear different approaches to the same material, demonstrating that even genius-level improvisation involves choices and exploration.

Thelonious Monk's presence is remarkable. His angular, dissonant comping style contrasts with the bebop mainstream Parker and Gillespie represented, yet he provides perfect harmonic support while maintaining his distinctive voice. Buddy Rich's drumming, typically associated with big band swing, demonstrates his bebop credentials through sophisticated cymbal work and responsive accompaniment. Manufactured by Polydor K.K. as part of Verve's premium Japanese reissue programmes, this mono pressing honours the original 1950 recording format.