Best known for his big band interpretations of Thelonious Monk, pianist/arranger John Beasley explores the songbook of another bebop icon, Charlie Parker, along with the SWR Big Band and woodwinder Magnus Lungren and a wonderful guests list of soloists.
The charts are fun and fresh, with Chris Potter tearing apart “Cherokee/Koko” along with scatter Camille Bertault. Tia Fuller is soulful on a sensuously synthed and hip hopped “Summertime”, and Joe Lovan mixes strings with his warm tenor on “I’ll Remember April”. Charles Mingus alumnus Charles McPherson glistens on “Laura” and Miguel Zenon brings bops hard on “Donna Lee” with swirling strings in support. There’s a wild roller coaster mixing of charts and solos on the ear-quicker-than-eye medley during “Overture to Bird”, while an Afro Cuban “Confirmation” displays Bird’s funky soul. A tribute that stays away from sterility.