Dizzy's Bebop Reunion -- 1975

[Larry Kart]

IIRC, I was there. I believe Chuck was, too, and that he may have played a significant role in getting/keeping things on the rails. I vaguely recall some behind the scenes turmoil, perhaps involving Al Haig.

[Chuck Nessa]

Yes I was there. Lots of tension between Diz and Haig. I don't know why but imagine it had roots in the past. As I remember it, Diz mostly ignored Haig while hamming it up with the other guys and Al felt really uncomfortable and became "prickly" if that's the right word. The big deal for me was the first chance to hear Kenny Clarke and he was great.

I witnessed the Gillespie / Haig tension again in 1980 when they were part of an all-star group we formed to celebrate Bird at the Chicago Jazz Festival. That situation might have been aggravated by Max Roach, but that's another story.

Diz could be either a prince or a dick. I witnessed both.

[makpjazz57]

This may be the only Al Haig video - at least it is the only video I have with Haig. I love this one despite Haig's upset because of the joy and fun exhibited by everyone else - not to mention the musicianship of all of the participating jazz giants.