Jazz.com ran a feature called “The Dozens” which highlighted twelve iconic, influential, or otherwise important tracks by a particular artist (described in more detail here). In 2008 I contributed one on Dizzy Gillespie. The tracks I reviewed were:
1. “Pickin’ the Cabbage,” with the Cab Calloway Orchestra
2. “Lover Come Back to Me,” with Gillespie’s Orchestra
3. “Cubano Be, Cubano Bop,” from a live concert in France
4. “I’ve Found a New Baby,” from Roy & Diz
5. “Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac,” from a live date in Los Angeles
6. “Tour de Force,” from Live At The Village Vanguard
7. “Fiesta Mojo,” recorded in Paris
8. “Jitterbug Waltz,” recorded for Norman Granz’s Pablo label
9. “Caravan,” a duet with Oscar Peterson, also released on Pablo
10. “Tenor Song,” from New Faces
11. “A Night in Tunisia,” from a live concert of the United Nations Orchestra
12. “Billie’s Bounce,” from a live date at the Blue Note
The whole feature can be read at this link, but here’s the article’s introduction:
“From his seminal work with Charlie Parker to his collaborations with Chano Pozo, Dizzy Gillespie continually broke new ground throughout his storied career. Aside from his musical virtuosity, Dizzy was revered as a consummate professional, affable entertainer, and admired patriarch of the jazz world. This collection of tracks spans Gillespie’s entire career. Showcased here is the broad range of Dizzy’s artistry: not only his trumpet performance, but also his composing and arranging skills, love of Latin music, and flexibility among styles, genres and ensembles. Noticeably absent from this list are Dizzy’s classic recordings with Charlie Parker – readers are encouraged to search jazz.com for reviews of these tracks (including those of the recently discovered 1945 Town Hall concert). A list of a dozen tracks cannot be comprehensive, but is rather intended to offer something for everyone — from time-tested classics to long-forgotten gems.”
The Rhythm of Study 