The Afro Cuban Experience ensemble (this is the original band of the late Dizzy Gillespie), 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.
The Afro Cuban Experience ensemble (this is the original band of the late Dizzy Gillespie), 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.