Perceptions (Dizzy Gillespie album)

Perceptions is a composition for trumpet soloist and large jazz orchestra composed and arranged by J. J. Johnson. The piece was commissioned by Dizzy Gillespie and recorded in 1961 for the Verve label. The instrumentation of the orchestra is unusual in that no saxophones or woodwinds are used.

Reception
The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow states: "Often reminiscent of classical music, Johnson's writing allows plenty of room for Gillespie to improvise. The result is a rather unique set of music that is well worth searching for."

Track listing
All compositions by J. J. Johnson
 * 1) "The Sword of Orion" - 4:33
 * 2) "Jubelo" - 6:37
 * 3) "Blue Mist" - 6:52
 * 4) "Fantasia" - 7:35
 * 5) "Horn of Plenty" - 5:09
 * 6) "Ballade" - 3:30

Personnel

 * Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet soloist
 * Joe Wilder, Bernie Glow, Robert Nagel, Ernie Royal, Doc Severinsen, Nick Travis - trumpet
 * Urbie Green, Jimmy Knepper - trombone
 * Paul Faulise, Dick Hixson - bass trombone
 * Jim Buffington, John Barrows, Paul Ingraham, Robert Northern - French horn
 * Harvey Phillips, William Stanley - tuba
 * Gloria Agostini, Laura Newell - harp
 * George Duvivier - double bass
 * Charlie Persip - drums
 * Michael Colgrass - percussion
 * Gunther Schuller - conductor

Production

 * Rudy Van Gelder - recording engineer
 * Pete Turner - photography