Charli Persip

Drummer Persip grew up with jazz legends tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley and pianist Walter Bishop, Jr. in New Jersey. He got his start professionally playing with Tadd Dameron around the New York/New Jersey area in 1953, but became widely known for his work with the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra and Quintet (1953-1958).

During this time period Charli recorded many albums with Dizzy, including "Sunny Side Up," which included a legendary tenor sax battle between Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt, alongside Dizzy Gillespie. In 1959 Mr. Persip formed his own group, The Jazz Statesmen, and recorded a highly acclaimed album featuring trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and saxophonist Roland Alexander, with Ron Carter on bass. During this time, Mr. Persip also performed with Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, Melba Liston, Kenny Dorham, Zoot Sims, Red Garland, Gil Evans, Don Ellis, Eric Dolphy, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Gene Ammons. He also worked prominently as a studio session musician, performing on a wide variety of recordings. Mr. Persip is currently an Associate Professor at New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC and is still teaching privately and performing.

Don't pass up the opportunity to see Charli talk about his experiences on our YouTube channel:
Charli Persip talks about his book How NOT to play drums
On recording The Eternal Triangle with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt and Sonny Rollins.
On Miles Davis
On joining Dizzy Gillespie's Band
On watching the recording of "Miles Davis and the Modern Jazz Giants" with Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.