MusiConversations on Jazz - Schu-Memories by Tom Schuman on Dizzy Gillespie - Season 1a Episode 5 - Originally Aired 2021

As an extension to MusiConversations on Jazz, this episode of the Schu-Memories series, Tom Schuman recounts a memorable experience with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie during the 1982 Newport Jazz Festival in Madurao, Japan. The Setting Spyro Gyra participated in a George Wein production of the Newport Jazz Festival near Mount Fuji. The festival brought together legendary artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Ritenour, Gil Evans, and Tanya Maria. The remote festival location and limited nightlife turned musicians' hotel rooms into gathering spots, fostering camaraderie. The Song “Dizzy” Tom had just completed the *Carnaval* album with Spyro Gyra and carried a cassette mix of the track “Dizzy,” a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, co-written with drummer Eli Konicoff. The funky tune featured contributions from Randy Brecker, Hiram Bullock, and other talented musicians. Playing the Track for Dizzy On the bus ride to the festival, Tom approached Dizzy and asked if he’d like to hear the song dedicated to him. Dizzy enthusiastically listened to the track on a Sony Walkman, dancing and expressing his approval. After hearing it, Dizzy praised the song and Randy Brecker's trumpet but humorously asked why he wasn’t invited to play on it, leaving Tom both flattered and regretful. Reflection The experience of receiving Dizzy’s approval on a song written in his honor was a career highlight for Tom. Despite missing the chance to collaborate, Tom cherished the opportunity to share the moment with such a legendary figure.