Charlie Parker, was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. He was a highly influential jazz soloist and a leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique and advanced harmonies. Parker acquired the nickname "Yardbird" early in his career on the road with Jay McShann. This, and the shortened form "Bird", continued to be used for the rest of his life, inspiring the titles of a number of Parker compositions, such as "Ornithology", included in this collection. Parker was an icon for the hipster subculture and later the Beat Generation, personifying the jazz musician as an uncompromising artist and intellectual rather than just an entertainer. This CD brought to you at mid-price is a collection of radio broadcasts from the legendary Birdland and the Hi Hat Club in Boston, with performances by Bud Powell on piano, Charles Mingus on bass and Art Blakey on drums.
