Get out your transcription papers, because you’re going to want to learn these recently unearthed solos from Charlie Parker.
Recorded at various stages of Parker’s early career, such as Vic Damon’s studio in 1944 with the Spartan support of Edward Phillps/dr and Efferge Ware/g, or Jay McShann’s 1941 Orchestra, as well as a home recording from 1951, these 11 songs find Bird in as rarely relaxed or unabashedly swinging mood. His debt to KC tenor saxist Lestor Young is clearly audible, particularly in the irresistable read of “I Found A New Baby” that includes quotes from Prez’s work on “Shoe Shine Boy” and “Tickle Toe”. This alone is worth the price of admission, as well as Parker’s three versions of “Bird Song” which as the famous line from “Swing On A Star” that Wardell Grey made so famous. Which came first?
The two different versions of “Cherokee” are a fascinating comparison, as Bird sears through one at Baxter’s home and does a cozy two stepper at Damon’s studio, while “Body and Soul” has dramatic vibrato and glissandos on the former and a languid feel on the latter. A Basie-ish “Margie” with McShann reveals Bird’s romantic side, but as I said earlier, all of this is naught unless someone is transcribing these solos. I’m first on the list to buy them and practice relentlessly!