The Charlie Parker Companion

by Carl Woideck

Charlie Parker was a legendary alto saxophonist, combo leader, and composer. Beginning in the mid-'40s in New York City, he worked with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and pianist Thelonious Monk, among others, to create a new style of jazz that would become known as bebop. His dazzling technique, lightning speed, innovative solos, and sharp tone were all emulated by younger players. His tragic death due to drug abuse led him to become a legendary figure in the jazz world - another young, creative player cut down in his prime. This book gathers all of the interviews ever given by Parker during his lifetime, plus early reviews, memoirs, and articles that give an overview of one of the most important lives and careers in jazz.

Genres: Music, Jazz, Biography

294 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional introduction to the world of Charlie Parker. It includes interviews with the great musician and record reviews from the time of the original recordings' releases. If you're reading up on the Bird this book is pretty essential must-have, or read.

[Chris P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of memoirs,interviews and critical reviews of CP and his music.
Also revealing transcriptions of radio interviews whch reveal his wide-ranging musical tastes including Stravinsky,Bartok and Ravel.
As one who admires his amazing ability to improvise on almost any theme spontaneously it was interesting to learn more about the man and his music.
Highly recommended for Charlie Parker fans or Bebop addicts everywhere!

[Jeff Crompton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this cover to cover when it came out in 1998, but it gets pulled off the shelf frequently. This time around, I once again shook my head in wonder at the critical writing of Max Harrison, who wrote the essay on Parker's Dial and Savoy recordings. I also shook my head, but in a negative way, at most of the contemporary reviews of Parker's records. Recordings which are now considered timeless masterpieces are casually dismissed with B- or C+ ratings.

A collection like this will tend to be somewhat uneven, and The Charlie Parker Companion is not exception. But it's an essential book for any Parker enthusiast.

[dv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il sottotitolo del libro è "vita e musica". Se cercate note biografiche su Parker, meglio rivolgersi altrove (e in bocca al lupo). Se invece cercate un'analisi della sua parabola musicale, questa è la più precisa e approfondita trattazione che si possa trovare.