VA - The Charlie Parker Memorial Concert (1970) [1988]

In Chicago, the cult of Bird fanatics probably lived harder than in other cities – and in the few decades after Charlie Parker's death, the city was host to annual Bird Memorial concerts during the month of August. This obscure 2LP set on Cadet does a good job of documenting the energy and comraderie that went into those sessions – as it captures tunes from four different performances during the series, all recorded at Chicago's North Park Hotel. Players include Dexter Gordon, Howard McGhee, Vi Redd, Lee Konitz, Art Hoyle, Von Freeman, Jodie Christian, Roy Haynes, Muhal Richard Abrams, Eddie Jefferson, and Kenny Dorham – and the set's a great crossection of players – from the bop to the less obvious Parker-philes – in a strong illustration of Bird's still-consistent influence even at the end of the 60s.

Tracks:

01 - Billie's Bounce
02 - Just Friends
03 - Scrapple From The Apple
04 - Ornithology
05 - Groovin High
06 - Yardbird Suite
07 - Now's The Time
08 - Parker's Mood
09 - Disappointed,Lady Be Good

Personnel:

Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz, Vi Redd
Drums – Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, Wilbur Campbell
Piano – Jodie Christian, John Young, Richard Abrams
Tenor Saxophone – Dexter Gordon, Von Freeman
Trombone – Joe Daley
Trumpet – Haward McGhee
Trumpet – Arthur Hoyle, Kenny Dorham, Red Rodney
Vocals – Eddie Jefferson