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Chasin' the Bird (song)

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"Chasin' the Bird"
Composition
RecordedMay 8, 1947. New York City, US
GenreJazz, bebop
LabelSavoy
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]

Composition

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"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

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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]

References

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

Bibliography

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  • Priestley, Brian (2005). Chasin' the Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker. Equinox. ISBN 978-1-84553-036-5.