This is the reference in regard to "Night In Tunisia". It was recorded before "Bird's" health deteriorated, it was when the king (Bird) reigned supreme, with "Diz" just a notch behind. All the players on this recording perform as one to project Dizzy Gillespie's concept of a "Night In Tunisia" into music.
"The Reference" in jazz is unlike the reference in other things. It doesn't mean someone else has to imitate or duplicate to have a very good version of this tune. Nor does it mean that you aren't free to like another version better, or even consider it the best; it just means what I stated in the first paragraph.
This recording projects the very soul of Dizz's concept, and that's what makes it "The Reference"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLVVHxk4IM