In A Mellotone – 1985 in Two Parts

Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars

10 giants performing together

A rather remarkable assemblage of all-stars gathered together at the Bern Jazz Festival in 1985 to play Duke Ellington’s “In A Mellotone.”

The performance is available in two parts and is filed with many memorable solos.

After the melody, it all begins with trombonist Benny Powell who is followed by tenor-saxophonist Buddy Tate, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie (in excellent form), and tenor-saxophonist James Moody.

Part 2 has a dazzling Clark Terry flugelhorn solo, pianist Gene Harris, and the always distinctive trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison, supported by rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Grady Tate.

So much talent, all gone now but living forever through their music.

-Scott Yanow

Part Two