This is a famous recording session that deserves the very complete treatment it receives on this CD from the Stash label. On June 6, 1945, vibraphonist Red Norvo and an all-star swing rhythm section (comprised of pianist Teddy Wilson, bassist Slam Stewart and either Specs Powell or J.C. Heard on drums) joined jump tenor Flip Phillips and the two great bop innovators, altoist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. This mixture of swing and bop stylists recorded four songs ("Hallelujah," "Get Happy," "Slam Slam Blues" ... Read More
This is a famous recording session that deserves the very complete treatment it receives on this CD from the Stash label. On June 6, 1945, vibraphonist Red Norvo and an all-star swing rhythm section (comprised of pianist Teddy Wilson, bassist Slam Stewart and either Specs Powell or J.C. Heard on drums) joined jump tenor Flip Phillips and the two great bop innovators, altoist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. This mixture of swing and bop stylists recorded four songs ("Hallelujah," "Get Happy," "Slam Slam Blues" and "Congo Blues"), and those recordings and eight alternate takes are included on this exciting album. The performances point out the evolutionary (as opposed to revolutionary) nature of bop from swing, but also its differences. It is fascinating to hear and rewards repeated listenings. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi Read Less
