Back in 1930, George Gershwin wrote a tune, “I Got Rhythm”, whose underlying chord structure proved a god-send to jazz musicians for decades to come. “Rhythm Changes” served as the basis for dozens of jazz tunes, which served, in turn, for some of the greatest performances in jazz. We’ll start off with the original, served…
Tag: Charlie Parker
The Mooche si, The Mooch no
Some while back, I posted a dismissive note on Facebook regarding the highly welcome departure of Anthony “the Mooch” Scaramucci, to wit: “The Mooche is mooted and muted. Suck on this, Tony: You’re history.” Well, Tony is history, but I unfortunately misspelled his nickname, as a jazz buff might, because there are two famous “Mooches”…
Thelonious Monk & Charlie Parker—“Well, You Needn’t”
This is not a video, but it is essential, a live recording of Charlie Parker playing “Well, You Needn’t” with Monk as accompanist. This is one of the “famous” Dean Benedetti recordings. Benedetti was a passionate fan of Parker and surreptitiously recorded many of Bird’s nightclub performances. To save tape (or “wire”—the earliest taping machines…
Laurence Cottle Big Band—“Donna Lee”
“Donna Lee” is one of my favorite Charlie Parker compositions. This BB chart by Laurence Cottle is, if not perfect, certainly Bird-worthy. Posted by laurencecottlebigband. Saxes:Nigel Hitchcock Sammy Mayne Claire Mcinerney Alex Garnett (Solo) Martin Williams Flute: Gareth Lockrane Trumpets: Andy Greenwood Tom Walsh Pat White Sid Gauld Trombones: Ade Hallowell Andy Wood Neil Sidwell…