20: Charlie Parker: Complete Savoy And Dial Studio Recordings (Concord)
Together with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, Kansas City-born alto saxophonist Parker began
a jazz revolution in the mid-40s when he created a new sound that was dubbed bebop.
With jaw-dropping displays of virtuosity combined with advanced harmonies and
syncopated rhythms, Parker helped to alter the perception of jazz, transforming it from
dance music into a serious art form. Most of his seminal recordings came out as singles
for the Savoy and Dial labels in the 40s and they can be found on this 2000 compilation,
which offers a vivid snapshot of bebop’s glory years. It captures Parker at the peak of his
powers before heroin addiction blighted his career.
Watching the excellent Muhammad Ali: A Life in Ten Pictures documentary on BBC2 last night and recognised India, from John Coltrane’s Impressions album, was used in the background music…
Any one who has spent time listening and supporting British Jazz musicians will I am sure be saddened by the death of Len Skeat.
Made 84 so you did well old timer.
Thanks for that @Christian
Used to watch Morrissey Mullen regularly down at the Half Moon in Putney, so a great trip down memory lane for me.
Sad about Len, he was a stalwart of the scene and regularly on BBC Sounds of Jazz in the late 70s early 80s when they used to record live sessions at the Maida Vale studios. Miss all that.
A lovely reminder. Wonderful facial expressions. I am sure he used to talk to the bass whilst playing.
Brian Dee another favourite who I would like to hear again.
Jim a mere youngster.
Thanks.
N
Brian Dee too also a regular on ‘Sounds of Jazz’. By coincidence, I saw Len Skeat and Brian Dee about 5 years ago as part of a Billie Holliday tribute which included Alan Barnes.
I remember one early 80s gig at Ronnie Scott’s where they were filming Woody Herman and the camera was literally at my back, for a 30 minute show within a show. It went out live and I never saw it - nor to my knowledge has it ever been rebroadcast !
