As an extension to MusiConversations on Jazz, this episode of the Schu-Memories series, Tom Schuman recounts a memorable experience with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie during the 1982 Newport Jazz Festival in Madurao, Japan.

The Setting

• Spyro Gyra participated in a George Wein production of the Newport Jazz Festival near Mount Fuji.
• The festival brought together legendary artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Ritenour, Gil Evans, and Tanya Maria.
• The remote festival location and limited nightlife turned musicians' hotel rooms into gathering spots, fostering camaraderie.

The Song “Dizzy”

• Tom had just completed the *Carnaval* album with Spyro Gyra and carried a cassette mix of the track “Dizzy,” a tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, co-written with drummer Eli Konicoff.
• The funky tune featured contributions from Randy Brecker, Hiram Bullock, and other talented musicians.

Playing the Track for Dizzy

• On the bus ride to the festival, Tom approached Dizzy and asked if he’d like to hear the song dedicated to him.
• Dizzy enthusiastically listened to the track on a Sony Walkman, dancing and expressing his approval.
• After hearing it, Dizzy praised the song and Randy Brecker's trumpet but humorously asked why he wasn’t invited to play on it, leaving Tom both flattered and regretful.

Reflection

• The experience of receiving Dizzy’s approval on a song written in his honor was a career highlight for Tom.
• Despite missing the chance to collaborate, Tom cherished the opportunity to share the moment with such a legendary figure.