Charli Persip's Big Band at the Gillespie Auditorium (NY), July 7

Experience the exciting sound of jazz drummer Charli Persip's Big Band, "Supersound", returning to Jazz Tuesdays in response to popular demand, tomorrow, August 7! There will be two shows at 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

An excellent drummer both in big bands and combos, Charli Persip gained initial recognition for his work with Dizzy Gillespie's big band and quintet (1953-58). In 1959 he formed his own group, the Jazz Statesmen, which featured a young Freddie Hubbard. Persip appeared on many record sessions in the 1950s and '60s with such players as Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, Red Garland, Gil Evans, Don Ellis, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Gene Ammons and Archie Shepp among others and was with Billy Eckstine during 1966-73.

He has been drum and music instructor for Jazzmobile for fifteen years (and still going strong), is Associate Professor of Jazz at Queensboro Community College, has a highly successful private practice, and recently published a book entitled “How Not To Play Drums”.

For years I've enjoyed Charli's recorded performances. One of my favorites is a very cool version of "Con Alma" included in the LaserDisc "Dizzy Gillespie: An All-Star Tribute to the Jazz Master" (unfortunately not yet released on DVD), filmed on June 6, 1897, to celebrate Dizzy's seventieth birthday year, and his fiftieth anniversary as a professional musician. Dizzy and Persip play "Con Alma" along with Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Mike Longo, James Moody and Chris White. In the following track, "Oop-Pop-A-Da", Jon Hendricks and Cecil Payne join the band.

Another oustanding recording is Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "The Return of the 5000 lb. Man", from 1975, and reissued on CD in 2005. Charli (credited as Charles) can be heard on soulful arrangements of "Theme for the Eulipions", "There Will Never Be Another You" and "Giant Steps" (with lyrics added by Betty Neals).

Persip has led his big band Supersound (formerly known as Superband) since the early '80s. The musical direction of Supersound presents the total spectrum of African American music-commonly referred to as Jazz-from the Bebop era to the present and beyond. Fans of all ages have thoroughly enjoyed listening to and, yes - even dancing - to the music of Supersound.

Supersound’s library consists of unique arrangements on both standards and original compositions by some of today’s most outstanding writers.

Admission is 15.00, $10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway)
Two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.