'Dear Diz' is a heartfelt tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval's mentor and friend. Joining the acclaimed trumpeter/composer is an array of jazz stars including Gary Burton, Bob Mintzer and Joey DeFrancesco. The album is a collection of classics from Gillespie's massive body of work, each framed in big-band arrangements that throw the spotlight on the elements of bebop that underscore so much of the iconic trumpeter's work and set the tone for the music of his era. Backing Sandoval on the project is a crew of top-draw jazz artists: vibraphonist Gary Burton, Yellowjacket's leader saxophonist Bob Mintzer, organist Joey DeFrancesco, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, saxophonist Ed Calle, drummer/producer Gregg Field and several others. Also along for the ride are a couple of unlikely but well-placed surprises - actors Andy Garcia on percussion and vocalist Manolo Gimenez.