Ray's Idea - Dizzy Gillespie - 1946

Ray's Idea
Bebop

Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra
Instrumental
Writers: Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie

Instrumentation: 6 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 5 Saxophones, Vibraphone, Piano, Bass, and Drums
Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet, director)
Dave Burns (trumpet)
Elmon Wright (trumpet)
John Lynch (trumpet)
Kenny Dorham (trumpet)
Talib Daawud (trumpet)
Alton Moore (trombone)
Gordon Thomas (trombone)
Leon Comegys (trombone)
Howard Johnson (alto Sax)
Sonny Stitt (alto sax)
Leo Parker(baritone sax)
Ray Abrams (tenor sax)
Warren Luckey (tenor sax)
John Lewis (piano)
Milt Jackson (vibraphone)
Ray Brown (bass)
Kenny Clarke (drums)

Musicraft Album S-7
Catalog Number: Musicraft 487
Matrix Number: 5610 (10", 78 RPM)
Place and Take Date: New York NY, 1946-07-09
Reverse side: He Beeped When He Shoulda' Bopped

All eight recordings of this album:
1. A Hand Fulla Gimme
2. Groovin' High
3. Blue N' Boogie
4. Hot House
5. Ray's Idea
6. He Beeped When He Shoulda' Bopped
7. All The Things You Are
8. Dizzy Atmosphere

Normally, Bebop—think tracks like “Hot House”—thrives in small groups like quartets or quintets, where soloists can let loose with their spontaneity and virtuosity. But this big-band version of “Ray’s Idea” shows off Gillespie’s bold vision of taking Bebop to the grand stage of larger orchestras. The big ensemble delivers a richer sound, intricate horn sections, and a wider harmonic vibe, all while staying true to Bebop’s rhythmic and improvisational core. The contrast between the intimate, solo-driven vibe of small combos and the lush, full-on sound of an 18-piece orchestra highlights Gillespie’s brilliance as an innovator, bridging Bebop and Big Band jazz. This duality proves just how versatile Bebop is, shining in both stripped-down setups and epic big-band arrangements.

A big thank you once again to DALL·E for generating the image.