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Chasin' the Bird

The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker

Brian Priestley author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Equinox Publishing Ltd

Published:1st Oct '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Chasin' the Bird cover

In his short life, Parker was one of the most influential musicians in jazz, and together with Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, he was the main architect of the modern jazz revolution of the 1940s known as bebop. Addicted to drugs and alcohol, and with a tangled private life, Parker died young, and a legend grew up about his tragic genius. "Chasin' the Bird" is a completely revised and expanded edition of the short biography of Charlie Parker by Brian Priestley, first published in 1984, which quickly established itself as the most succinct, accurate and readable book on Parker. This edition, which is twice the length of the original, incorporates material which has come to light since the first edition was published. It also provides an expanded discussion of performances and recordings, with a complete discography, notes and bibliography.

'Brian Priestley is one of the most accomplished jazz historians, critics, and biographers, and Chasin' the Bird is an indispensable gem--an ideal introduction to a major figure in 20th century music and an inventive interpretation of Parker's life and art that will also engage veteran jazz lovers. The comprehensive discography is a major bonus, making this a handbook every Bird chaser will relish.' Gary Giddins, author of Weather Bird and (forthcoming) Tain't What You Do Brian Priestley has not just chased but captured the elusive Bird, illuminating the turbulent life and marvelous music with human and musical insight.' Dan Morgenstern, Director, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, author, Living with Jazz 'Brian Priestley's Chasin' the Bird: The Life and Legacy of Charlie Parker serves as the best overall book on Parker since Gary Giddens' photo-driven Celebrating Bird of 1987.' New York Sun

ISBN: 9781845533298

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

256 pages