Gettin' Down (Live)

Recorded in New York in 1969, Gettin' Down features Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet alongside an ensemble including Joe Newman, James Moody, Joe Farrell, Cornell Dupree, Ernie Hayes, Jimmy Tyrell and Ray Lucas. Composed and arranged by Ed Bland, the recording originally appeared as part of the Soul & Salvation sessions and was subsequently repackaged on Sweet Soul with added audience sounds. Gettin' Down reflects Gillespie's exploration of contemporary soul-oriented arrangements during the late 1960s, bringing his trumpet playing into an ensemble built around guitars, keyboards, brass and a prominent rhythm section. Its appearance on Soul & Salvation demonstrated his willingness to experiment beyond the bebop innovations that had established his reputation. The recording has circulated through successive reissues of Sweet Soul, including editions marketed as live performances, preserving an example of Gillespie's late-1960s crossover recordings. Its arrangements by Ed Bland and contributions from established jazz session musicians document a less frequently celebrated period of Gillespie's career.