Watch Dizzy Gillespie & Sonny Stitt live at Cirque Royal

In the electrifying jazz music documentary film "Dizzy Gillespie & Sonny Stitt live at Cirque Royal", jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt unite to deliver a truly unforgettable night of music. Filmed in Brussels in 1958, this concert film captures the two icons at the height of their powers, with their frenzied improvisations and brilliant solos lighting up the stage.

The film begins with a black and white shot of the iconic Belgian venue, the Cirque Royal. The jazz musicians, dressed in sharp suits, walk on stage to the sound of wild applause from the audience. The atmosphere in the theater is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating what they know will be a memorable performance from these two jazz greats.

The first number is Gillespie's "Birks' Works", a fast-paced and upbeat track that sets the tone for the evening. Gillespie's trumpet playing is fierce and lightning-fast, while Stitt's saxophone adds a hauntingly beautiful counterpoint. The two musicians trade solos, building on each other's phrases and pushing each other to new heights.

As the set progresses, Gillespie and Stitt take turns leading the band. Stitt's interpretation of "Stardust" is a masterclass in saxophone playing, with his long, mournful notes conveying a sense of longing and loss. Gillespie meanwhile, showcases his famous bend note technique in his rendition of "Manteca", drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd.

The band itself is a force to be reckoned with, with each member contributing their own unique flavor to the mix. John Lewis's piano playing is especially noteworthy, providing a solid backbone for the improvisation of the two lead musicians. The bass player Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay also get their moments in the spotlight, delivering some truly impressive solos.

What sets this film apart from other concert movies is the palpable sense of camaraderie between Gillespie and Stitt. There are moments when they exchange glances, grinning widely as they trade musical phrases. In "On the Sunny Side of the Street", they even engage in a playful musical back-and-forth, with each musician trying to outdo the other in a friendly competition.

The film was shot in 1958, a time when jazz was at the height of its popularity in Europe. The audience at the Cirque Royal are clearly passionate jazz fans, with many nodding their heads and tapping their feet along with the music. It's fascinating to watch the camerawork capture the excitement of the crowd, panning over their faces to show their wide smiles and occasional gasps of awe at the virtuosity on display.

The concert concludes with a rousing rendition of "Night in Tunisia", one of Gillespie's most famous compositions. The band is in full swing, the audience is on their feet, and Gillespie and Stitt are playing as if their lives depend on it. The final notes ring out, and the crowd roars their approval, having witnessed a performance for the ages.

In conclusion, "Dizzy Gillespie & Sonny Stitt live at Cirque Royal" is a must-see for any jazz music fan. The performances of these two jazz titans are truly awe-inspiring, and the film captures the energy and excitement of the live jazz scene of the late 1950s. This concert film showcases the incredible talents of its musicians in a way that is timeless and will be appreciated for generations to come.

Dizzy Gillespie & Sonny Stitt live at Cirque Royal is a 1958 music movie with a runtime of 31 minutes.