Con Alma
"Con Alma" is a jazz standard written by Dizzy Gillespie, appearing on his 1954 album Afro. The tune incorporates aspects of bebop jazz and Latin rhythm, and is known for its frequent changes in key centers, while still maintaining a singable melody.
Notable recordings
It has been noted that "As good as Dizzy's versions of his own tune are, it's probably not too crazy to say that 'Con Alma' really took off in the hands of other musicians." Among those who have recorded versions are:- Sonny Stitt
- Hal McKusick
- Oscar Peterson
- Roy Haynes
- The Jazztet
- Ray Bryant
- Wes Montgomery
- Charles McPherson
- Ed Bickert
- Brian Bennett
- Stan Getz
- Kenny Burrell
- Brother Jack McDuff
- Randy Weston
- Lalo Schiffrin
- Jesse van Ruller
- George Shearing
- Cedar Walton
- Gerald Clayton
- Paquito D'Rivera
- Poncho Sanchez and Terence Blanchard
- Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Christian Sands
- Abraham Mansfarroll
- Roy Hargrove and Mulgrew Miller
- Chaka Khan as part of the "Be Bop Medley"