CHARLIE "YARDBIRD" PARKER : 29th AUGUST 1920 - 12th MARCH 1955
On the 12th March 1955, Charlie Parker died at the age of 34 and jazz had lost one its major innovators. Leaving behind a timeless musical legacy, jazz would never be the same again. Taking the music to an art form, when Bird and his fellow musicians assembled at Minton Playhouse a new music was born in be-bop. Sixty years after his death many of his recordings are now regarded as classic performances, and are listened to and studied by musicians and jazz enthusiasts all over the world.
To mark the anniversary of his death Jack Kenny, Roy Booth and Nick Lea take a look Parker’s recorded legacy, tributes and some of the books that have been written about this now legendary musician.
To mark the anniversary of his death Jack Kenny, Roy Booth and Nick Lea take a look Parker’s recorded legacy, tributes and some of the books that have been written about this now legendary musician.
SAVOY, DIAL & VERVE - The Recordings
2015 marks sixty years since Charlie Parker passed away after a short but eventful life. This seems like an opportune time to reflect on his recorded output for three recording labels which cover most of his finest recorded work.
The three label in question are Savoy, Dial and the labels under the supervision of Norman Granz
( Clef, Norgran and Verve ). All three have their merits and drawbacks as will be apparent...continue reading
2015 marks sixty years since Charlie Parker passed away after a short but eventful life. This seems like an opportune time to reflect on his recorded output for three recording labels which cover most of his finest recorded work.
The three label in question are Savoy, Dial and the labels under the supervision of Norman Granz
( Clef, Norgran and Verve ). All three have their merits and drawbacks as will be apparent...continue reading
THREE VIEWS - Parker In Print
Sixty years since his death, Charlie Parker’s importance and eminence in the jazz world is not really matched by an outpouring of biographies. In some way the brilliance of his playing almost repels audiences. He did not in life, and does not in music, ingratiate himself.
He is not seeking approval in the way that Gillespie or Armstrong so obviously did. A consideration of Parker's work would not appeal to the mainstream reader, a publishing house would not expect large sales...continue reading
Sixty years since his death, Charlie Parker’s importance and eminence in the jazz world is not really matched by an outpouring of biographies. In some way the brilliance of his playing almost repels audiences. He did not in life, and does not in music, ingratiate himself.
He is not seeking approval in the way that Gillespie or Armstrong so obviously did. A consideration of Parker's work would not appeal to the mainstream reader, a publishing house would not expect large sales...continue reading
ROLLINS PLAYS FOR BIRD...A Tribute
Following Parker’s death on March 12th 1955 there would follow a host of tributes to the saxophonist, both in print and as albums recorded as a memorials or dedications. Many would pay no more than lip service from those who had paid little attention to Bird during his lifetime, with plaudits and accolades that were denied him during his all too brief career that came pouring from the media of the time. Often these would seemingly backtrack on their previous commentary, replacing the outrage and sometimes disgust in the way Parker conducted his private life to that of misunderstood and under appreciated genius. The truth can of course be found somewhere in the middle of these two extremes...continue reading
Following Parker’s death on March 12th 1955 there would follow a host of tributes to the saxophonist, both in print and as albums recorded as a memorials or dedications. Many would pay no more than lip service from those who had paid little attention to Bird during his lifetime, with plaudits and accolades that were denied him during his all too brief career that came pouring from the media of the time. Often these would seemingly backtrack on their previous commentary, replacing the outrage and sometimes disgust in the way Parker conducted his private life to that of misunderstood and under appreciated genius. The truth can of course be found somewhere in the middle of these two extremes...continue reading
