Posts Tagged Charlie Parker
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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