A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie in Northampton, MA January 14 2020 by David Boatwright (of the Equalites).

From theBlueJazzCorner

Trumpeter, Cicci Santucci, came to Northampton to celebrate the music of the legendary trumpeter, Dizzy Gillespie, on the 27th anniversary of Gillespie’s passing. Santucci is an Italian trumpeter with world class be-bop chops and six decades of playing and recording to back them up. Joining him to front the Green St.Trio this January night was the brilliant alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan. The quintet opened with “Blue n’ Boogie,” a fast shuffle blues. The horns then harmonized on “Con Alma,” before picking up the pace for a blistering”Dizzy Atmosphere.”

“Ooh Bam Sha Bam” was a light shuffle in honor of drummer, Kenny Clarke, and another fast tune was played before Hanahan left the stage and Santucci played a beautiful version of the classic ballad, “Round Midnight.”

Hanahan then returned to close the set with the blisteringly fast “Woody n’ You” and “Salt Peanuts,” which is perhaps Gillespie’s most well known tune. I doubt if there’s better jazz music to be heard in Massachusetts, or even on the whole East Coast, on any given Tuesday night than at the Spare Time Lounge on Pleasant St.in Northampton.

Santucci, at 80 years, plays like a man at the top of his game, and Sarah Hanahan’s impressive chops bode well for the future of this music. With the always great Green St. Trio, they honored the legacy of the Be-Bop master, Dizzy Gillespie, this January night in 2020!

While not from this show, here is a little sample of Cici:

From the video channel of Luca Ruggero Jacovella

David Boatwright, when he is not contributing reviews performs in one of the longer running reggae bands in New England, the Equalites. Additionally he performs in a blues ensemble, and is incredibly knowledgeable in everything from blues to jazz to classic rock, and of course is one of the foremost experts in reggae music.

To submit your live show review or live music news, hit us at [email protected]