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Charlie Parker
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Charles Christopher “Bird” Parker, Jr. (August 29, 1920 – March 12, 1955) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Early in his career Parker was dubbed Yardbird; this was later shortened to ‘Bird’ (or sometimes ‘Yard’) and remained Parker’s nickname for the rest of his life and inspiration for the titles of his works e.g. 
Yardbird Suite.
Parker is commonly considered the greatest bebop jazz musician. In terms of influence and impact, his contribution to jazz was so great that Charles Mingus commented that if Bird were alive today, he would think he was living in a hall of mirrors. Bird’s talent is compared almost without argument to such legendary musicians as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and his reputation and legend as one of the best saxophonists is such that some critics say he was unsurpassed; jazz critic Scott Yanow speaks for many jazz fans and musicians when he suggests that “Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time.”[1]
A founding figure of bebop, Parker’s innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony have exerted an incalculable influence on jazz. Several of Parker’s songs have become standards of the repertoire, and innumerable musicians have studied Parker’s music and absorbed elements of his style.
Parker became an icon for the Beat generation, and was a pivotal figure in the evolving conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. At various times, Parker fused jazz with other musical styles, from classical (seeking to study with Edgard Varèse and Stefan Wolpe) to latin music (recordings with Machito), blazing paths followed later by others.
Yardbird Suite.Parker is commonly considered the greatest bebop jazz musician. In terms of influence and impact, his contribution to jazz was so great that Charles Mingus commented that if Bird were alive today, he would think he was living in a hall of mirrors. Bird’s talent is compared almost without argument to such legendary musicians as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and his reputation and legend as one of the best saxophonists is such that some critics say he was unsurpassed; jazz critic Scott Yanow speaks for many jazz fans and musicians when he suggests that “Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time.”[1]
A founding figure of bebop, Parker’s innovative approach to melody, rhythm and harmony have exerted an incalculable influence on jazz. Several of Parker’s songs have become standards of the repertoire, and innumerable musicians have studied Parker’s music and absorbed elements of his style.
Parker became an icon for the Beat generation, and was a pivotal figure in the evolving conception of the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual, rather than just a popular entertainer. At various times, Parker fused jazz with other musical styles, from classical (seeking to study with Edgard Varèse and Stefan Wolpe) to latin music (recordings with Machito), blazing paths followed later by others.
Videos
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Play
Charlie Parker - "Groovin' High"
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Play
Charlie Parker - Billie's Bounce
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Play
Mohawk - Charlie Parker
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Play
Sweep v Charlie Parker
Top Albums
Top Tracks
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Ornithology
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| 2 |
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Just Friends
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| 3 |
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Confirmation
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Summertime
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| 5 |
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Lover Man
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Now's the Time
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| 7 |
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Star Eyes
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| 8 |
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Out Of Nowhere
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| 9 |
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Scrapple from the Apple
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| 10 |
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April in Paris
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| 11 |
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Yardbird Suite
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| 12 |
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Embraceable You
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| 13 |
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Cool Blues
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| 14 |
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Parker's Mood
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| 15 |
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Bird of Paradise
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Shoutbox
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InsurgentCujo wrote:
So do I!!!!
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ycdycd wrote:
I like this!
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oldmancallaghan wrote:
coleman played on the same plastic model as bird did. but people make more than one of things, so both men used it. it was a Grafton sax.
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jimmyofunkster wrote:
oh yeah thanks drkl0pek:) i just read it on this page. What a guy...
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Minarete wrote:
Muy a gusto con last.fm .Muy buen jazz
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Azuk4 wrote:
.....talking all that jazz
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Tae-Suk wrote:
god..
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drkl0pek wrote:
I think Charlie Parker also at times played the plastic sax. Regrettably, since he fell into the clutches of addiction, at times he needed money so desperately that he pawned off his instrument. There were even incidences where he pawned it before he was supposed to perform. The plastic sax was a cheap alternative. In a moment of desperation, I believe Parker acquired a plastic sax before he was supposed to perform at some gig. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
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jimmyofunkster wrote:
wasn't it ornette coleman who played plastic sax?
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Sax-Moryson wrote:
My Favorite
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DJB-Jam wrote:
super jazz
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igOrOGOGO wrote:
How can someone so hyperactive gain super-powers from a plastic sax? .. igOr .. http://igorogogo.com
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lawlypopz wrote:
Happy Birthday Charlie!
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oldmancallaghan wrote:
favorite bird story: walks up to a bum, punches him in the gut, and then hands him some money--- not only was the alto god, but a funny ass muthafucka.
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cybershredder wrote:
charlie parker on GTA 4!! the jazz radio station as awsome! basie, parker, davis, gillespe! much better than all the hip-hop and rnb stuff =] ps this guys a legend
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mavritivs wrote:
"Take Five"? o_O somebody should definitely check his tags... :)
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guylikesfrogs wrote:
Salt peanuts salt peanuts
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aakira009 wrote:
Yardbird Suite sounds fresh still nowadays. respect due. the one Charlie Parker.
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LonelyPiper wrote:
Leap Frog.. That song is the piece of absolute music.
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Chiaroscurist wrote:
<3
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