Spirit of Gillespie Lives On at Drew Fest

The late trumpeter-composer-bandleader John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie left a rich legacy of both music and inspired musicians when he died in 1993. Both were present in abundance Sunday on the closing day of the sixth annual Jazz at Drew Legacy Music Series.

The two-day festival, which raises money for the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, honored Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions on Saturday.

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Sunday’s tribute, though less well-attended than Saturday’s sold-out event, brought in dozens of musicians who had worked with Gillespie, some, as in the case of bassist Al McKibbon and saxophonist James Moody, as far back as the 1940s.

In small groups and big-band sessions, Gillespie’s music was given reverent, if not always polished, treatment. The day’s showpiece was a performance from a 23-piece big band composed entirely of Gillespie associates and conducted by composer-arranger Melba Liston, who first joined the Gillespie band in the late ‘40s.

Using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, Liston’s appearance was an emotional highlight as she directed the orchestra in arrangements she’d done for Gillespie as well as her own composition, “Just Waiting.” Her arrangement of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which featured vocalist Ernie Andrews, brought the cheering crowd to its feet.

But the all-star orchestra’s performance was less than perfect as it rode roughshod over the more involved pieces, notably Gillespie’s “Things to Come” and the novelty piece “Umbrella Man.” The group was at its best when the burden of arrangement fell away and soloists played above the rhythm section.

Foremost among these soloists was trumpeter Jon Faddis who, in characteristic Gillespie style, alternately soared and showed sensitivity. Trombonists Al Grey and George Bohanon, saxophonist Jimmy Heath and trumpeter Jimmy Owens also made fine contributions.

Likewise, a large ensemble playing music from Gillespie’s big-band and Afro-Cuban periods sounded best when it moved away from formal arrangement and jammed. Standouts here included trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and pianist James Williams.

The smaller groups made the strongest musical impressions. Pianist Cedar Walton’s quartet featured trumpeter Art Farmer (who flew in from Vienna to attend) playing smarter and with more strength than in his recent Los Angeles appearances.

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Faddis’ group with trombonist Slide Hampton remembered the sense of humor that gave Gillespie his nickname with “Swing Low Sweet Cadillac.” Composer-pianist Lalo Schifrin explored Gillespie’s early music with a quintet that included Moody and bassist Art Davis.

But the performance that might have pleased Gillespie the most came from the New World Stage All Stars, a group of musicians in their 20s led by drummer Kharon Harrison.

Their enthusiastic playing of “Manteca” showed that Gillespie’s music and spirit is indeed for all time.