MANTECA!!

With an open heart an open mind and unsurpassed facility on his instrument, Dizzy Gillespie was as responsible as anyone for wedding Latin to Afro-American jazz in post WWII NYC starting a musical ripple that ultimately spread throughout the world.  That's just one of the reasons why he  should be universally revered. 12.6.11 

Manteca is among his most enduring compositions. Here's why:

Original recording - 1947

Dizzy with the Kenny Clarke Big Band 1970

Dizzy and his "dream band" featuring John Lewis (p), Milt Jackson (vibes), Max Roach (d), Jon Faddis (tr) (1982)

Dizzy in Havana with Arturo Sandoval (1985) 

Part 1

Part 2