One Night in Washington cover

One Night in Washington

Dizzy Gillespie · 1983

48 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of bebop and Afro-Cuban rhythms with spontaneous improvisation and intricate brass arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Afro Suite: Manteca / Contrasta / Jungla / Rhumba Finale — This extended piece embodies Gillespie’s seamless blending of jazz with Afro-Cuban elements, illustrating his innovative approach to rhythm and structure. It serves as a powerful showcase of his band’s virtuosity and ensemble cohesion.
  • →
    Caravan — Gillespie’s rendition of Caravan highlights his signature trumpet style, using sharp articulations and rich tonal variations that breathe new life into this jazz standard. It's a definitive example of how he reinterpreted classics with his unique flair.
  • →
    Hobnail Boogie — This track stands out for its lively tempo and infectious rhythm, demonstrating Gillespie's ability to engage audiences with upbeat energy while maintaining complex musicality. It's a joyful celebration that encapsulates the spirit of live jazz performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
77 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and vibrant improvisation, reflecting Gillespie's innovative spirit in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, particularly in tracks like 'Caravan' and 'Tin Tin Deo', allowing musicians to explore themes in depth.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • energetic rhythms for dancing
  • long improvisations that captivate
  • lively atmosphere for gatherings
  • intricate melodies to explore

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek immediate musical gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in 1983, Dizzy Gillespie was an established jazz icon, having shaped the genre since the 1940s. This album arrived during a period where Gillespie continued to innovate, following his celebrated work in the 1960s and 1970s that expanded the boundaries of jazz.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Afro Suite: Manteca / Contrasta / Jungla / Rhumba Finale 16:42
  • 2 Hobnail Boogie 7:55
  • 3 Wild Bill's Boogie 6:23
  • 4 Caravan 5:14
  • 5 Tin Tin Deo 6:25
  • 6 Up 'n' Downs 6:15

What to play next

Jazz At The Philharmonic - The Challenges 1954
Listen next

Jazz At The Philharmonic - The Challenges 1954

1983
To a Finland Station
Go back to

To a Finland Station

1983
Full Dizzy Gillespie discography Artists like Dizzy Gillespie
Afro-Cuban jazz bebop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata