Remembering Dizzy Gillespie With Our Favorite Phish “Manteca” Jams [Watch]

Trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Dizzy Gillespie was one of the most skilled jazz trumpet players of all time. Along with Charlie Parker, he is credited with pioneering the “bebop” style and for introducing Afro-Cuban elements into modern jazz music.

In addition to being an incredible improviser and skatter, Gillespie is responsible for several pieces that have become jazz standards including “Manteca”, which he co-wrote with Chano Pozo and Gil Fuller in 1947. The tune has been covered by a wide array of artists over the years, from Red Garland (1958), to Ella Fitzgerald (1970), to Quincy Jones (1973).

“Manteca” also caught the attention of Vermont four-piece Phish during their formative years, and quickly became one of their most frequently performed jazz numbers. Phish recorded a version of the song for their 1992 album A Picture of Nectar, adding the somewhat nonsensical lyrics “crab in my shoe mouth” to the instrumental melody.

Since then, Phish has continued to work “Manteca” into their live performances in fun and creative ways. From subtle teases to full-scale “Manteca” jams, the appearance of the “crab in my shoe mouth” refrain never fails to send Phish crowds into a frenzy. In honor of the 26th anniversary of Dizzy Gillespie’s passing today, give a listen to a few of our favorite Phish “Manteca” jams:

First, check out this dark and dirty “Manteca” jam, part of a top-notch “Stash” at Phish’s 11/14/95 show at the University of Central Florida Arena in Orlando:

[Video: PhrankieC87]

Setlist: Phish | University of Central Florida Arena | Orlando, FL | 11/14/95 

Set One: Chalk Dust Torture, Foam, Billy Breathes, Divided Sky, Esther > Free, Julius, I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome[1], Cavern

Set Two: Maze, Gumbo, Stash -> Manteca -> Stash -> Dog Faced Boy [2] -> Stash , Strange Design, You Enjoy Myself -> Immigrant Song Jam -> You Enjoy Myself

Encore: The Wedge, Rocky Top

[1] Acoustic.
[2] Performed over a different arrangement than usual.

Next, give a listen to the “You Enjoy Myself” from New Year’s Eve 2010 at Madison Square Garden, featuring a fun “Manteca” sandwich during the song’s jam section:

[Video: HarpuaFSB]

Setlist: Phish | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY | 12/31/2010 

You can also check out partial fan-shot footage of Phish’s super-funky “Bathtub Gin” from Bethel Woods (the home of Woodstock) on 5/28/11 containing a double-time “Manteca” interlude:

[Video: ld12985]

Setlist: Phish | Bethel Woods Center For The Arts | Bethel, NY | 5/28/2011