View Full Version : Charlie Parker Method Book??
Woodwindguy
05-31-2003, 07:52 PM
I have a client looking for a book that was written by Charlie Parker, not talkin about any of his transcriptions, but more of a method book. Anyone know of anything like this ??
Thanks all.
Brian D. Topolski
Woodwind Enterprises, Inc.
I don't think Bird wrote a method book. The Charlie Parker Omnibook is a compilation of transcriptions of his solos. This can be used as a method book or as a collection of etudes or excersises.
Also, the solos in the Omnibook were transcribed by Jamie Aebersold and Ken Stone and are, as far as I can tell, 100% accurate. An impressive piece of work.
MandoPaul
05-31-2003, 10:34 PM
Perhaps you're thinking of:
"Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns" Nicolas Slonimsky
Charlie Parker studied and recommended this. I think Dizzy Gillespie did also.
Bill Gaulke
06-01-2003, 06:48 AM
woodwindguy,,
I have a copy of that Charlie Parker book,,, omni,,,,If you want it let me know,,, I'm at: <bgaulke@techline.com>
mr00420
06-01-2003, 12:43 PM
While the tones/ notes are 100% correct, the rhythms aren't 100% correct. For instance, several of the riffs in K.C. Blues are very different from what's written in the transcription. I couldn't do better myself, but maybe someone could.... and yes, it's beyond slow-downs/ laybacks in tempos.
Wailin'
06-01-2003, 03:08 PM
Brian (aka Woodwind guy)...I've seen a book that fits the description of what you're talking about...not the omnibook but it's more of a book that describes his style, etc...just like...(please no negative criticisms here) but I've seen one that describe the stylistic aspects of Kenny G...seen one that describes the aspects of Cannonball Adderley...was just looking at it on Friday...if I have the time today I'll stop by the music store and take a look at the title and reply with a post later .
The notes aren't 100% correct, either...
mr00420
06-01-2003, 04:47 PM
You might send a query to Sheet Music Service (of Portland.) You can search for it on the web. They have a search engine, but it's by author, instrument, or title. Anyway, They've got anything that's available in print, and some things that are out of print. You can send them a question by email, and they'll get back to you quickly. I used to work there. I just ordered a few books from them, and they seem to be defending their reputation as one of N. America's biggest music stores (they ONLY sell sheet music.)
Well, maybe 99.9% correct.
It's been a while since I really looked at it, but I remember some of them being pretty spotty... still, not a bad effort (especially considering they did it in a hurry, or so the story goes), and useful for some things.
But, like mr00420 alludes to, if you really want to get inside Parker's playing (or anyone elses, for that matter), you'll want to go directly to the records.
Paul Coats
06-24-2003, 07:53 PM
For what it's worth:
The books Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt (and many others of that era) studied FROM is Dynamic Etudes, by Santy Runyon, and Modern Etudes, by Santy Runyon. Available from
www.runyonproducts.com
In Dynamic Etudes there is one piece that Charlie Parker especially liked. He combined it with the changes to How High The Moon, and that became... Ornithology! People will argue about who invented Bebop, Parker or Stitt, but both studied from these books at Runyon Studio in Chicago, and some of the pieces are clearly Bebop. The intention of the book, according to Mr. Runyon, was to train musicians in Runyon Studio in the styles and skills to enable them to play in the big bands and combos of that day.
The second book, Modern Etudes, the Foreword has a "thank you" to his students Parker and Stitt for proofreading the material.
A little story told to me by Santy: He gave Charlie Parker keys to the studio, and Charlie, after a long night playing, instead of going straight home, would let himself in and sleep on the couch in Santy's office until he came into the studio in the morning. Then Charlie would get up, take his lesson, and go home to sleep some more. Santy said further that Charlie was an excellent student, too.
Wailin'
06-25-2003, 10:10 PM
I have a book I saw on amazon.com that was on sale but then later found out that it was at my local library. It's called "Bebop, the music and the players" by Thomas Owens. There's an entire chapter in it that desribes and closely analyzes the Charlie Parker style. A great portion of what Parker did was chromatic ornamentation. Most books get into the topic of upper and lower neighbors for the basic arrpegio. ex. one that I saw and this was even in the Omnibook on K.C Blues was C Ab A F F# D played for a D7 chord. But he did it rather fast. I've watch so many videos on Parker lately and read so many books. I do get tired of the story which I see in every book and video on him about while playing Cherokee he discovered that playing on the extensions of chords was what he was searching for.
I've basically given up all hopes of playing like Charlier Parker. Reason is he was under the influence when producing what many lawd as musical greatness or genius. Therefore, I cannot agreeably say that I idolize him anymore. Also, I read someplace that a lot what he did was unjustified gibberish notes merely thrown in and played at break neck speed. One commentator in the Ken Burns video said if Parkers notes were slowed down every one of them made sense. But remember in jazz, and Herbie Hancock said this too...there are no wrong notes in jazz...its merely the ability of the performer to make them right.
I will continue to use the Omnibook for analyis but as far as transcribing his solos but not to emulate his playing. Moreover, there's no one who's not under the influence who's mastered his playing from Stitt to Carter. I seriously doubt anyone will unless they're under the influence. After analyzing his entire life and reading his biography I cannot agree that Parker was a gifted musician...sorry, I know I am gonna hear about this.
I watched the Ken Burns series video which is probably at any local library and the Forest Whitaker video by Clint Eastwood which are well put together. What I find odd is that at least 10 boppers took up drugs with the hopes that using the drugs would enable them to play like Parker. :( Some of them included Stitt, Rollins, Dexter to name a few. Dizzie said he'd beg Parker to give up the drugs but he wouldn't.. That almost made me shed tears. Thank God Rollins kicked it and is still alive today...I think I'll settle for some nice Sanborn, Dave Koz, Marienthal, Everette Harp, Nelson Rangell or Cannonball :lol:
Peace. :lol:
Parker "played unjustified gibberish notes"? Spend some more time analysing the solos in the Omnibook. Check the notes against the indicated chords. Note the harmonic sophistication. The use of extended chords--flat ninths, sharp elevenths, etc. The use of diminished and whole tone (augmented) scales. The use of chord substitutions. The use of tasty blues licks. Etc., etc. Every note that Bird ever played (at least everything that I have heard--which is alot) was logical, musical, and swingin'.
Wailin'
06-26-2003, 04:04 PM
I agree that may be true but how was he doing it...under what influence and abuse??
Wailin'
06-26-2003, 08:33 PM
He would have played better in a regular language like the other boppers.
Certain influences allows one to perform certain feats they couldn't have without those influences. Point is that its not worth it.
wersax
08-17-2003, 08:46 PM
I think it's terrible that Bird was a junkie, and from all accounts that I've heard and read, Bird was a nightmare to be around (read Miles' autobiography for a personal account!),but, Bird was an amazing musician and saxophonist, unquestionably the genius of his generation to his generation.....Bird blew people's minds with his command of the instrument and the music. If you don't respect him as a person for the choices he made, or whatever, I can't say that I blame you; he certainly wasn't much of a role-model, BUT,in my mind this doesn't invalidate what he accomplished. Let's face it folks, history's full of good people doing bad things and bad people doing good things; it's sad, but it's a fact. And as far as what Bird's playing would've been like without the substance abuse, sadly, we'll never know......I for one prefer to believe he would have been even better, but I realize this is just speculation on my part........[i][/b]
From what I've read it seems that Miles could be a bit of a drag to be around too.
ShedShark
08-21-2007, 06:05 PM
I know this thread is as old as dirt but here is a book that might be of interest regarding Birds style:
http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Parker-Thematic-Improvisation-Martin/dp/081084155X
I have a copy and it's really interesting.
RootyTootoot
08-21-2007, 06:33 PM
He would have played better in a regular language like the other boppers.
Certain influences allows one to perform certain feats they couldn't have without those influences. Point is that its not worth it. Mmm.. I don't think so...The "language of the other boppers" was, to a significant degree, Bird's language. Without Parker there would have been no "boppers". Strongly worded but kind of true. And I think you referred to parts of his music as gibberish and implied that it's all a drug-addled hit and hope type thing. Again, no. If you analyse the solos correctly I believe Bird's understanding of harmony and harmonic sophistication is very present and very real. Not to mention his rhythmic sophistication, which is even richer.
[edit: just realised how ancient this thread is. Probably should have let it lie.. ho-hum..:;]
baylistenor
08-21-2007, 06:41 PM
Parker plays the Ornithology Phrase in The Jumpin, Blues by Jay Macshann in 1941 - I thought Benny Harris had extrapolated it into Ornithology - thats the usual tale.
Whatever he did or did,nt do he was a genius - don,t let the stories stop you enjoying his music.
whaler
08-21-2007, 09:54 PM
I also remember seeing somewhere a very in depth doctoral thesis of Charlie Parker and his harmonic concept. I'll tryto search for it on the internet.
ShedShark
08-22-2007, 06:14 AM
"Charlie Parker and Thematic Improvisation"
http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Parker-Thematic-Improvisation-Martin/dp/081084155X
littlemanbighorn
08-22-2007, 06:30 AM
I agree that may be true but how was he doing it...under what influence and abuse??
As was mentioned in another post made today, Charlie Parker became addicted to opiates after a serious car accident and a lengthy period of doctor prescribed morphine.
Hardly something you can blame him for. (I'm guessing you've never been around someone going through withdrawals from opiates.) It's always easy to vilify people when you have no understanding of what they've gone through.
dylanroebuck
09-08-2007, 05:21 AM
I think it's terrible that Bird was a junkie, and from all accounts that I've heard and read, Bird was a nightmare to be around (read Miles' autobiography for a personal account!),but, Bird was an amazing musician and saxophonist, unquestionably the genius of his generation to his generation.....Bird blew people's minds with his command of the instrument and the music. If you don't respect him as a person for the choices he made, or whatever, I can't say that I blame you; he certainly wasn't much of a role-model, BUT,in my mind this doesn't invalidate what he accomplished. Let's face it folks, history's full of good people doing bad things and bad people doing good things; it's sad, but it's a fact. And as far as what Bird's playing would've been like without the substance abuse, sadly, we'll never know......I for one prefer to believe he would have been even better, but I realize this is just speculation on my part........[i][/b]
On this topic; the liner notes of the cd; The Quintet: Jazz at Massey Hall, are a fantastic read.
The cd is Parker, Gillespie, Mingus, Roach...and someone else that I can't remember. But the liner notes are amazing. Oh and Parker plays a Grafton sax on this cd. Definate buy. I love it.
On other topics;
Bird Lives
As was mentioned in another post made today, Charlie Parker became addicted to opiates after a serious car accident and a lengthy period of doctor prescribed morphine.
I would like to see the source of that quote. At any rate, he didn't stay addicted because of his medical treatment. When was that? I believe he was already goofing when he was a teenager.
mascio
12-12-2008, 10:13 PM
If you put Parker's Mood on the stereo, sit in your favorite chair, and with your eyes closed listen to the music, and can then tell me with a straight face that Bird plays gibberish, I might suggest to you that Jazz might not be your bag.
SAXISMYAXE
12-12-2008, 10:32 PM
Most every bio mentions the fact that Parker became quite enamored with both alcohol, weed, and narcotics very early on in life.
His only lengthy time clean of them was during a period with Jay McShann (I believe the second time he was hired by Jay) when he was the leader of the sax section and doing a lot of arranging for him, and of course his stay at the Camarillo in CA. This, alas, did not last long however.
Blaming a car accident as the sole source of his addiction is stretching the truth to say the least.
sonnymobleytrane
12-12-2008, 10:43 PM
deleted
odsum25
12-12-2008, 10:47 PM
On this topic; the liner notes of the cd; The Quintet: Jazz at Massey Hall, are a fantastic read.
The cd is Parker, Gillespie, Mingus, Roach...and someone else that I can't remember. But the liner notes are amazing. Oh and Parker plays a Grafton sax on this cd. Definate buy. I love it.
Old post, but that someone else is Bud Powell! How can we forget one of the most influential jazz pianists ever?
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