Bebop & Beyond Discography of CDs

Bebop & Beyond music CDs int/adv. level inc. 40 years of jazz greats w. booklet. ISBN: 978-1-56224-194-0

Bebop & Beyond discography This CD contains one of the best Thelonious Monk tributes that have come out since the pianist/composer's death in 1982. Mel Martin (heard here in top form on tenor, soprano and flute) leads Bebop & Beyond through nine of Monk's most difficult originals, and his arrangements (which use the versatile guitarist Randy Vincent in Monk's place) are consistently inventive. Pianist George Cables, tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, and Howard Johnson (on baritone and tuba) make important guest appearances, while trumpeter Warren Gale contributes many fine solos. ~ Scott Yanow

Bebop & Beyond songs Bebop & Beyond's third recording was particularly special, because for their performances of six Dizzy Gillespie tunes (plus Ray Brown's "That's Earl, Brother" and leader Mel Martin's "Rhythm Man"), the group has as guest artist on six of the eight numbers -- Gillespie himself. 73 at the time and way past his musical prime, Dizzy does get off a few good solos and takes a touching vocal on "I Waited for You." Martin (switching between soprano, alto, tenor and flute), trumpeter Warren Gale, pianist George Cables, the distinctive and creative guitarist Randy Vincent, bassist Jeff Chambers, drummer Donald Bailey, Vince Lateano on drums and timbales and guest percussionist John Santos are all in fine form on fresh versions of such numbers as "Wheatleigh Hall," "Manteca" and "Diddy-Wa-Diddy." ~ Scott Yanow Bebop & Beyond: Warren Gale (trumpet, flugelhorn), Mel Martin (soprano, alto & tenor saxophone, flute), Randy Vincent (guitar), George Cables (piano), Jeff Chambers (bass), Donald "Duck" Bailey (drums), Vince Lateano (drums, timbales) and John Santos (congas, bongos, percussion). Guest Artist: Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet, vocals, rhythm-stick).