Live Entertainment Blog

Jimmy Heath is a lifelong small-group player with a passion for big groups. Heath 1st wrote on his own in ‘47 in Philadelphia. Then, Jimmy played in Dizzy Gillespie’s band in ‘49 and ‘50. The other alto player in that big group was Jimmy’s cohort John Coltrane, from Philadelphia as well. Before Jimmy played in Gillespie’s big band, so did James Moody. He was also a guest on the show. It was a constructive experience for both saxophonists. Jimmy confessed he still thinks about Gillespie every day.