Griffith-Gillespie Quintet

American saxophonist and flutist Oliver Griffith invites trumpeter Larry Gillespie, a former member of the Ray Charles and Woody Herman bands, for a program contrasting Cool Jazz and Hard Bop. Cool Jazz emerged in the 50s on the West Coast of the USA, driven by musicians such as Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Dave Brubeck and Gerry Mulligan. It is characterized by relaxed tempos and arrangements that include counterpoints. In contrast, East Coast hard bop, played by musicians such as Art Blakey, Horace Silver and Hank Mobley, and influenced by rhythm and blues and gospel, is often faster and more energetic.