Dizzy Gillespie

Stablemates

Having long since entered the pantheon of jazz standards, this version of Benny Golson's 'Stablemates' was arranged for trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie's 1956 State Department-sponsored big band. In many ways, 'Stablemates' is the best representative of what makes Golson's writing so unique; although its unusual form (a 14-bar A section, an 8-bar bridge, and another 14-bar A section) and tricky chord changes provide an undeniable challenge to the improviser, the listener is drawn in by its undeniably warm and mellow melody. This particular arrangement was written to feature Gillespie as its main soloist, and, not surprisingly, Gillespie more than rises to the challenge on the original recording, both through his playful interpretation of the melody and his barnstorming improvised solo. The piece also features a solo for tenor saxophone, played not by the composer, but the highly underrated Billy Mitchell.

It is important for the ensemble to maintain a high level of energy throughout the performance. This is a boisterous arrangement, to be sure, with everything coming to a climax at the shout chorus that begins at measure 155. Be sure to not get too carried away as to lose sight of the arrangement's intrinsic warmth, however, as an overly bombastic performance can ultimately override some of the piece's wonderful intricacies.

This arrangement features a part for solo trumpet, as well as three trombone parts in comparison to the usual four. This publication is based on the original set of parts - this is not a transcription.