The great Dizzy Gillespie always had a knack for finding the right musicians to help him bring out the best in his music, and his 1957 album, Sonny Side Up, is a case in point.
On this album, Gillespie is joined by Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt, two of the most talented saxophonists of their generation. The result is a scintillating set of hard bop that shows off their individual styles while still maintaining Gillespie’s trademark sound. The title track, a Gillespie original, is a great example of the trio’s chemistry, as they trade riffs and solos in a flurry of creative energy.
Gillespie’s own playing is as sharp and inventive as ever, and his trademark sense of humor is evident in the whimsical “Things To Come.” The album also includes a pair of standards, “I Can’t Get Started” and “Sweet Georgia Brown,” which demonstrate the trio’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to classic tunes.
Sonny Side Up is a must-listen for any fan of Gillespie’s music, and a great introduction to the work of Rollins and Stitt.