Chasin' the Bird (song)

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"Chasin' the Bird"
Composition
RecordedMay 8, 1947. New York City, US
Genre Jazz, bebop
Label Savoy
Composer(s) Charlie Parker

"Chasin' the Bird" is a composition by Charlie Parker. The original version, by Parker's quintet, was recorded on May 8, 1947. It has become a jazz standard. [1]

Contents

Composition

"Chasin' the Bird" is an unusual composition for Parker. [2] Its theme "contains two simultaneous and interlocking melodies played contrapuntally by alto and trumpet." [2] The structure is AABA and the harmony is based on that of "I Got Rhythm", in the key of F. [3]

Original recording

The composition was first recorded by Parker's quintet, which contained Parker (alto saxophone), Miles Davis (trumpet), Bud Powell (piano), Tommy Potter (bass), and Max Roach (drums). [4] The recording session was in New York City on May 8, 1947, for Savoy Records. [4]

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References

  1. Taylor, Chuck (September 4, 1999) "Tom Harrell: Time's Mirror". Billboard. 111/36. p. 28.
  2. 1 2 Priestley 2005, p. 59.
  3. Martin, Henry (2020). Charlie Parker, Composer. Oxford University Press. p. 196. ISBN   978-0-19-092340-2.
  4. 1 2 Priestley 2005, p. 152.

Bibliography