I'm not trying to start any fights here, but I've just got to ask if anyone on here agrees or not:
Charlie Parker is overrated.
There, I said it.
Look, I'm not bashing his innovations. As one of the pioneers of bebop, he deserves respect and a place in history. But let's face it: As a player, he gets a lot more credit than he deserves.
Having listened to just about every recording of him many times, I just don't see why everyone seems to think that he's one of the greatest technical saxophone players who ever lived. Sure, he can play many things very fast. But, so can MANY of the players who followed, and even some of his contemporaries. The obvious one being Sonny Stitt (Who could do everything Charlie Parker could do, with a better sound, and he could also do it on tenor), but come on, I shouldn't have to elaborate here. Most of the big modern cats today are miles better technically then Charlie Parker ever was.
Also, I cannot STAND his sound. Having never heard it in person, I can't say that he sounded bad, but of all the players who were recorded back then, his is my least favorite. Except for maybe Parker With Strings, but that would be the ONLY exception.
Again, not trying to start a fight. You're all just as entitled to your opinions as I am to mine.
Craig
Charlie Parker is overrated.
There, I said it.
Look, I'm not bashing his innovations. As one of the pioneers of bebop, he deserves respect and a place in history. But let's face it: As a player, he gets a lot more credit than he deserves.
Having listened to just about every recording of him many times, I just don't see why everyone seems to think that he's one of the greatest technical saxophone players who ever lived. Sure, he can play many things very fast. But, so can MANY of the players who followed, and even some of his contemporaries. The obvious one being Sonny Stitt (Who could do everything Charlie Parker could do, with a better sound, and he could also do it on tenor), but come on, I shouldn't have to elaborate here. Most of the big modern cats today are miles better technically then Charlie Parker ever was.
Also, I cannot STAND his sound. Having never heard it in person, I can't say that he sounded bad, but of all the players who were recorded back then, his is my least favorite. Except for maybe Parker With Strings, but that would be the ONLY exception.
Again, not trying to start a fight. You're all just as entitled to your opinions as I am to mine.
Craig