The Quintet – Jazz at Massey Hall

Label: Original Jazz Classics

The May 15, 1953, concert at The Massey Hall, Toronto has been dubbed “The Greatest Jazz Concert Ever” due to the unique and solitaire ensemble line-up of five of the major bop pioneers, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach. Charles Mingus released the live recording in 1956 on his Debut Records after having the bass playing dubbed and the bass solo on “All the Things You Are” altered.

There was tension between the giants before, during, and after the concert. Bird arrived without a horn and had to borrow a plastic alto (he made it sound like gold). The hall was three-quarters empty (the promoters had overlooked the coinciding heavyweight championship match between Marciano and Walcott). But the true heavyweights were onstage, and the results have been knocking out the world of jazz ever since. Long live Charlie Chan and company!

Originally released as part 1 and 3 of a three 10″ volumes set with volume 2 being a Bud Powell Trio (Powell, Mingus & Roach) recording from the same night.

This master release is for the 12″ album version.