Charlie “Bird” Parker

When most people are asked to write or talk about their favorite artist, they have no problem.  They can name off several of their favorite bands, and why they like them.  I however have a problem in deciding or talking about who my favorite artists are.  I listen to all kinds of music, from rock to techno.  I might only own one song from a specific genre, and only one artist.  That is why when I was asked to do this assignment I had a little trouble.  Of all the music I have, I don’t have very much Jazz, or even music with saxophones in them.  I have a few that I like, such as the saxophone solo in, “My Parties” by Dire Straits, but I couldn’t find any information on them.  So I decided to search for a saxophone player that has made a difference in music.

            Charlie Parker was one the most widely influential Jazz musicians.  He helped develop the “Bebop,” a form where fast tempos, improvisation, and various techniques are applied.  Several of his songs have become Jazz standards, including Ornithology and Yard Bird Suite.  Even though Charlie Parker was an incredible Jazz player, he also played the Blues.  One of his songs, “Parkers Mood” deeply affected Jazz.  Charlie Parker combined all different styles of music with Jazz, to make more and more different ways to play music. 

            Charlie Parker was the creator of some of the songs I look forward to playing in Jazz band.  After researching him, I have decided to check out some of his, and others music and add it to what I listen to, and someday to how I play my saxophone.

Sources: Wikipedia