Reissued on CD in 1998, this was one of
Dizzy Gillespie's finest sessions of the 1960s. His quintet (which includes
James Moody on tenor, flute and alto, pianist
Kenny Barron, bassist Chris White and drummer
Rudy Collins) sounds quite inspired. The "Something Old" portion of the set is the main reason to acquire it, since it consists of rapid versions of "Bebop" and "Dizzy Atmosphere," a memorable rendition of "Good Bait" and a definitive medley of "I Can't Get Started" and "'Round Midnight." The "New" part of the release consists of four then-recent pieces (three by
Tom McIntosh), best known of which is "Cup Bearers." The CD reissue adds a brief "Early Mornin' Blues" to the program. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow