It Don’t Mean A Thing
Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz
“A stirring version of “It Don’t Mean A Thing” by an all-star group”
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On July 10, 1979, at the Nice Jazz Festival, a combo that gathered together jazz all-stars (many of whom did not normally play together) was organized by George Wein.
“It Doesn’t Mean A Thing” begins with a passionate and adventurous alto solo from Arnie Lawrence who was originally from Israel.
Pianist John Lewis shows that he was really the Count Basie of Bebop during his solo, perfectly placing every note.
Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is in excellent form during his spot, and tenor-saxophonist Stan Getz is as smooth as always while pushing himself to come up with consistently fresh ideas.
After bassist George Duvivier and drummer Shelly Manne are briefly featured, the Duke Ellington tune finishes with an exciting closing ensemble led by Dizzy.
Personnel:
Dizzy Gillespie, trumpet
Stan Getz, tenor
Arnie Lawrence, alto
John Lewis, piano
George Duvivier, bass
Shelly Manne, drums
– Scott Yanow
