Sonny Stitt/Howard McGhee/J.J. Johnson

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube

In 1965 at a German concert held near the 10th anniversary of Charlie Parker’s death, an all-star group of survivors of the bebop era paid tribute to Bird.

It would be difficult to improve upon this lineup, featuring six of the greats not only of the late 1940s but of all time.

Altoist Sonny Stitt, trumpeter Howard McGhee (who was rarely captured on film), trombonist J.J. Johnson, pianist Walter Bishop Jr, bassist Tommy Potter, and drummer Kenny Clarke are heard in prime form on a cooking version of “My Little Suede Shoes” and “Now’s The Time,” while Stitt is featured on “Lover Man.”

If you love classic bebop, this is one to savor.

Personnel:

Sonny Stitt, alto
Howard McGhee, trumpet
J.J. Johnson, trombone
Walter Bishop, Jr., piano
Tommy Potter, bass
Kenny Clarke, drums

-Scott Yanow

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube