Dizzy Gillespie Soul & Salvation Review by Gary Hill
This album has been out of print for quite a while now. It features a mix of sounds that must have seemed very contemporary and fresh when it was released in 1969. Now it often feels dated, but it still entertains. The mix of 60s pop, rock and jazz along with soul and funk might not be my particular jam, but it does work. Even the songs that miss a little for me manage to stand tall based on the horn soloing from Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet) and James Moody (saxophone).
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024 Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.
Track by Track Review
Stomped and Wasted A great rhythmic groove gets us underway. The jazz stylings rise up as it continues, and the horns wail. This thing is absolutely on fire, yet it oozes a sense of cool and style that holds it all down to Earth. It's such a potent piece of music and a great way to start things in style.
Pot Licka
This track has a whole crowd of non-lyrical female vocals. Those lend a church vibe. The music seems to run almost in contrast to those voices. Personally, I think this song, with its hints of rock and roll in the mix, would be better without the vocals. I do have to wonder if this song was an influence on Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky" because the vocals seem very similar to me.
Blue Cuchifrito
There is a real 1960s pop meets jazz kind of feeling to this song. As the jazzy vibes get more of the command, the piece works better. There is some killer horn work on this thing. I also love the bass work on this.
Turnip Tops
More soulful vocals are included on this track. There is almost a 1950s doo-wop kind of vibe to this piece. The vocals are nearly non-lyrical, just basically singing "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah." This one doesn't work as well for me, feeling too redundant and seeming to drag. The horn work is still great, though.
The Fly Fox
More in line with that 1960s cool pop sound, this is a fun one. The vibes are a nice touch. The song feels dated, but it's also effective.
Chicken Giblets
Energetic, driving and fun, this makes good use of that mix of 1960s pop and jazz. The horn interplay on this is so strong.
Casabah Melon
This one leans more on the jazz end of the equation, but it has some instrumental rock in the mix. It's a little less lightweight than some of the rest here. It's a stronger tune for it, too.
Clabber Biscuits
More of a powerhouse rock meets jazz instrumental, this is one of the highlights of the disc for me. It's a lot of fun.
Rutabaga Pie
This has vocals, but they are just singing the title. It has a Motown meets Booker T. and the MGs vibe. I like this one alright, but it's not a highlight for me.
Turkey Fan
Now, this powerhouse romp is a lot of fun. It's more of a pure jazz thing, and it's one of my favorite tracks here.
