Birks' Works


Birks' Works is a 1958 album by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie recorded in 1957 and released on the Verve label.

Release history

The original album featured 10 tracks and was reissued as Birks Works: The Verve Big Band Sessions, a 2 CD compilation featuring unreleased tracks, alternate takes and tracks from Gillespie's previous 1956 albums Dizzy in Greece and World Statesman.

Reception

The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected the reissue compilation as part of its suggested Core Collection.
The AllMusic review awarded the album 5 stars calling it "Essential music".

Track listing

''All compositions by Dizzy Gillespie except as indicated''

Original LP Release

Side one

  1. "Jordu" – 4:13
  2. "Birks' Works" – 4:56
  3. "Umbrella Man" – 3:02
  4. "Autumn Leaves" – 3:11
  5. "Tangerine" – 3:43

Side two

  1. "Over the Rainbow" – 4:37
  2. "Yo No Quiero Bailar" – 4:42
  3. "If You Could See Me Now" – 3:30
  4. "Left Hand Corner" – 2:26
  5. "Whisper Not" – 5:17

CD Compilation Reissue

Disc one
  1. "Dizzy's Business" – 3:37 Originally released on World Statesman
  2. "Hey Pete! Let's Eat More Meat" – 5:39 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  3. "Jessica's Day" – 4:50 Originally released on World Statesman
  4. "Tour de Force" – 5:04 Originally released on World Statesman
  5. "I Can't Get Started" – 2:55 Originally released on World Statesman
  6. "Stella by Starlight" – 4:07 Originally released on World Statesman
  7. "Doodlin'" – 3:56 Originally released on World Statesman
  8. "A Night in Tunisia" – 5:34 Originally released on World Statesman
  9. "The Champ" – 4:42 Originally released on World Statesman
  10. "Yesterdays" – 3:46 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  11. "Tin Tin Deo" – 4:17 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  12. "Groovin' for Nat" – 3:21 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  13. "My Reverie" – 2:52 Originally released on World Statesman
  14. "Dizzy's Blues" – 2:32 Originally released on World Statesman
  15. "Annie's Dance" – 4:05 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  16. "Cool Breeze" – 4:55 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  17. "School Days" – 4:23 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  18. "Jordu" – 4:13
  19. "Yo No Quiero Bailar" – 4:42
Disc two
  1. "Birks' Works" – 4:56
  2. "Autumn Leaves" – 3:11
  3. "Tangerine" – 3:43
  4. "Over the Rainbow" – 4:37
  5. "Umbrella Man" – 3:02
  6. "If You Could See Me Now" – 3:30
  7. "Left Hand Corner" – 0:13 Previously unreleased
  8. "Left Hand Corner" – 2:26 Previously unreleased
  9. "Left Hand Corner" – 2:16 Previously unreleased
  10. "Left Hand Corner" – 0:10 Previously unreleased
  11. "Left Hand Corner" – 2:22
  12. "Whisper Not" – 5:52 Previously unreleased
  13. "Whisper Not – 5:08 Previously unreleased
  14. "Whisper Not – 5:17
  15. "Stablemates" – 4:12 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  16. "That's All" – 3:13 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  17. "Groovin' High" – 3:53 Originally released on Dizzy in Greece
  18. "Mayflower Rock" – 3:17 Previously unreleased
  19. "Mayflower Rock" – 3:14 Originally released as 45rpm single B-side
  20. "Joogie Boogie" – 4:14 Originally released as 45rpm single
  21. "I Remember Clifford" – 4:15
  22. "You'll Be Sorry" – 2:17 Previously unreleased
  23. "Wonder Why" – 3:51 Previously unreleased

Personnel

On original LP and CD Compilation Reissue Disc One, tracks 18 and 19 and Disc Two, tracks 1–21

On CD Compilation Reissue Disc One, tracks 1–17

On CD Compilation Reissue Disc Two, tracks 22 and 23

  • Dizzy Gillespie, Talib Daawud, Lee Morgan, Ermit V. Perry, Carl Warwick – trumpet
  • Al Grey, Melba Liston – trombone
  • Ernie Henry, Jimmy Powell – alto saxophone
  • Billy Mitchell, Benny Golson – tenor saxophone
  • Pee Wee Moore – baritone saxophone
  • Wynton Kelly – piano
  • Paul West – bass
  • Charlie Persip – drums
  • Recorded in New York City on July 8, 1957