Dizzy Gillepsie, photo by Herb Snitzer
For his second recording of "Groovin' High" within three weeks and with similar instrumentation, Dizzy Gillespie stays cup-muted until the bravura finale, when he unleashes the open horn with which he soloed on his earlier session. Perhaps Diz's different approach stemmed from Charlie Parker's presence on this track. No need for Diz to emulate a 50-megawatt generator with the incandescent Bird on hand, and Bird's solo here is one of his brightest. Even so, "Groovin' High" remains Dizzy's showpiece, with a less ear- splitting but equally exhilarating solo. Aside from Slam Stewart's annoying hum-along arco bass shtick, this track is tremendous.