Posts Tagged Charlie Parker
Archive
May 9, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
Vincent Herring: Preaching To The Choir
Vincent Herring Preaching To The Choir Smoke Sessions Vincent Herring is a hell of a player – a saxophonist that brings to mind the best of Charlie Parker’s sprightly runs and his way with a melody, just updated for the modern context. And his latest album is not just a celebration of his extraordinary talents […]Archive
October 31, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Champian Fulton: Birdsong
Champian Fulton Birdsong CD Baby Raised by a dad that was a jazz trumpeter (he was friends with Clark Terry, even) Champian Fulton grew up listening to the greats. There’s Dinah Washington in her voice and Wynton Kelly is one of the pianists she has drawn from – but it’s the rollcall of the greats: […]Archive
June 23, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Rudresh Mahanthappa: Hero Trio
Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio Whirlwind Recordings Rudresh Mahanthappa is a killer alto player – you’ve maybe heard his work with Vijay Iyer, that’s where I was first introduced to his sound. But he’s gone on to make over a dozen recordings under his own name and collaborate with other leading lights in modern jazz. Here […]Archive
June 8, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: All The Things You Are
When Charlie Parker died he was nearly 35 but the doctor that prepared his body listed him as late 50s – such was the damage he’d done. His broken heart beyond repair so many cares shot away with the needle (you know – more than once he sold his horn to pay for smack then […]Archive
April 15, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Gig Review: Rodger Fox Presents… “Charlie Parker with Strings” featuring Dick Oatts
Rodger Fox Presents… “Charlie Parker with Strings” featuring Dick Oatts Memorial Theatre, Victoria University Monday, April 15 Dick Oatts is a respected educator and player from America. An alto specialist, who in 1977 was shoulder-tapped to join the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. He’s also toured or recorded with the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Joe Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Lovano and Mel Tormé. Here in tribute […]Archive
March 27, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Gig Preview: Rodger Fox presents… “Charlie Parker with Strings featuring Dick Oatts”
One of my favourite albums is Charlie Parker with Strings – what a lush and wonderful thing that is. The tireless Rodger Fox is bringing that to life, with touring American saxophonist Dick Oatts (he of stints with Eddie Gomez, Thad Jones & Mel Lewis among many others) joining a local rhythm section, string quartet and two […]Archive
October 12, 2016 by Simon Sweetman
Jaco Pastorius by Jaco Pastorius: One of My Favourite Albums
Here’s one of my favourite albums – I don’t want to say of all time, because that feels a bit trite, but I’ve certainly loved this album since I first heard it, nearly 20 years ago – and nearly 20 years after it was released. Jaco Pastorius’ eponymous debut arrived in 1976. Bobby Colomby, the […]Archive
June 24, 2015 by Simon Sweetman
Stubs: #96 – Sonny Rollins, Wellington, 2011
This gig was pretty special – obviously because it was Sonny Rollins, living jazz legend. But also, on a personal note, I had interviewed him; one of my all-time favourite interviews. I’m in two minds about this too – I have no recording of that interview. We spoke for over an hour, I can remember […]Archive
May 13, 2015 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 897
Charlie Parker, Charlie Parker With Strings (1950/1995) A compilation album – based on sessions from 1949/1950. It’s perfect. Just perfect. Charlie Parker, produced by Norman Granz, and great players and the songs – standards, or would be, so many great writers involved. I loved this album – in its various versions – from when my […]Archive
December 4, 2013 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: That Bird(s) Can Fly
the birds float over my head. no idea how it is they fly. someone please explain it to me – in language I can understand. maybe, tell me it’s like listening to Charlie Parker…Archive
September 16, 2013 by Simon Sweetman