The Winter in Lisbon cover

The Winter in Lisbon

Dizzy Gillespie

56 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of Afro-Cuban rhythms and sophisticated jazz harmonies weave together in a rich sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    San Sebastian — This track features intricate melodies that showcase Gillespie's signature trumpet style, blending Afro-Cuban influences with complex jazz harmonies.
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    Magic Summer (vocal: Leola Jiles) — The vocal rendition adds a unique dimension to the album, highlighting the seamless integration of lyrical storytelling within an instrumental framework.
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    Lisbon — With its vibrant rhythms and lush orchestration, this piece encapsulates the album's thematic essence, evoking the spirit of the city it is named after.
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    Burma — This track stands out with its adventurous spirit and complex arrangement, demonstrating Gillespie's ability to push musical boundaries while maintaining accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and rich orchestration, though its cohesion is affected by multiple versions of a single track.

What we noticed

  • The orchestration includes strings and woodwinds alongside traditional jazz instrumentation, enhancing the lush soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • vibrant rhythms for lively gatherings
  • evocative themes for reflective moments
  • dynamic interplay across varied tracks
  • cascading melodies inviting movement
  • satisfying transitions between pieces

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, single-focused albums
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1966, The Winter in Lisbon marked a significant moment in Dizzy Gillespie's illustrious career, following his influential work in bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz. This album came at a time when Gillespie was expanding his artistic horizons, integrating lush orchestral arrangements into his compositions.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Opening Theme 3:28
  • 2 San Sebastian 5:55
  • 3 Lucretia's Theme 3:38
  • 4 Magic Summer (vocal: Leola Jiles) 5:26
  • 5 Isthmus 8:12
  • 6 Magic Summer (orchestral version) 2:30
  • 7 Lisbon 6:09
  • 8 Magic Summer (piano version) 4:59
  • 9 Burma 8:08
  • 10 Bill's Song 2:17
  • 11 Final Theme 5:48

What to play next

Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris
Listen next

Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris
The Giant
Go back to

The Giant
Full Dizzy Gillespie discography Artists like Dizzy Gillespie
Afro-Cuban jazz bebop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata