Dwain

• The album Jazz at Massey Hall by bebop supergroup The Quintet is a history piece in the universe of jazz music. Five fathers of bebop come together to showcase how they all and each innovated the music and changed jazz forever. Bird and Dizzy seem to co-lead the session and each bring their unique styles to play as does the rhythm section. Bird showcases his masterful grasp of the music with his seemingly easy execution of complex, ever-changing and evolving bop lines. Dizzy’s swing feel and bebop capabilities is unmatched and he truly is the father of bebop music on the trumpet. The rhythm section is no doubt one of the greatest that could be assembled. Max Roach’s high energy with Mingus’ drive to match. And Bud Powell’s distinct bebop piano style influenced nearly all pianists who were to come after and still to this day.

• There are some issues with the audio from the recording and some apparent chopped and respliced bits that come up during the album which truly are a shame and one of the only detractors from the greatness of this album. There are times where things seem to come a little loose but are right back together within no time and that is the beauty of the music and hearing it in a live setting. Also getting to hear the band member interactions as well as the audience’s reception is something that I truly admire.

• This album is a once in a generation occurrence of the all-time greats coming together and we are lucky to have this recording to listen to as jazz music admirers. This album is worth listening to on repeat; you might learn a thing or two.

Overall score: 9.3/10

Max

• Jazz at Massey Hall is a unique recording that effectively illustrates all that bebop has to offer. It is the only record with this bop powerhouse grouping of musicians, which includes Charlie (Bird) Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach. The Quintet: Jazz at Massey Hall album is essentially the last great small group, pure bebop recording that took place. It’s a definite bookmark in jazz history, equipped with the showcasing of Bird’s fast lines, impeccable phrasing and immense harmonic vocabulary that comes across in a feel-good way due to his swing, feel and sound. Dizzy’s playing and personality is on display too. Max Roach’s energetic solos and interactions are an awesome contribution to this record. Bud Powell’s style and innovations are well witnessed here; not to mention, his unique, yet musical comping. Mingus’ walking, solos and efforts with this album are another essential part to its musical success.

• There are just a couple of moments where the group is not quite together in terms of arrangement, yet the time never drags or gets lost. This is evident on “Salt Peanuts,” yet there is so much character on that track, as well as killer solos; one or two small moments of unpolished playing is certainly forgettable. The tempo of “All The Things You Are” is a nice change of pace. The melody gets lost on that one from Dizzy’s treatment, yet, it is still musically interesting. I also would have appreciated an original tune from Bird in the mix. They may have performed one on the concert but it is not represented here on the album.

• All things considered, this record is both a treat to listen to, and a historical landmark. This album’s personnel should have been recorded together more than this; despite their personalities likely being an obstacle to that happening. It is regarded that the audience for this live concert recording was poorly attended due to bad timing; yet, one wouldn’t know it based on the audience interactions and abundant applause included on the record. The audience itself illustrates the greatness of this music. I think you’d enjoy it too.

Overall score: 9.3/10