Celebrating Bird: The Triumph Of Charlie Parker

by Gary Giddins

A biographical portrait of the jazz alto saxophonist.

Genres: Music, Jazz, Biography, Nonfiction, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1986

Reviews

[Italo Perazzoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Parker, called, the bird, was a saxophonist and composer, he was born and raised in Kansas City Missouri.

During his brief life he gave an indelible mark to Jazz.

"Every instrument in the band tried to copy Charlie Parker and in the history of jazz there had never been one man who influenced all the instruments"
(Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker, by Gary Giddins, University of Minnesota Press)

Being called "The Bird" was an hymn to his geniality and creativity, he was free to interpret the music.

This happens only to genius like him, he had the music inside his blood it was his DNA.

He lived at Kansas City an unhealthy city full of street violence, nightclubs, prostitution and racial hate.

He lived his life like a bird, completely free without thinking to his future, he lived day by day, this was one reason for his alcoholism.

Parker was not posh, he was simply himself, according to Al Cohn "He could talk to intellectuals about music and art turn around and talk to street people as though, he was one of them"
(Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker, by Gary Giddins, University of Minnesota Press)

Musically speaking he was, is and will be an example to follow, but not for his private and public life.

Is this the price to be free?

He died at the age of 34 years old, for bleeding ulcer, his body was destroyed by the use of heroin and alcohol.

[Jeff Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent long essay on Charlie Parker that nicely balances biographical narrative with critical appreciations of the music and context of its importance - then and now. Emphasizes Bird's dedication to craft and his endless curiosity over his boundless appetites. A great introduction and filled with photos that further bring the period to life.
4.5 stars.

[Bruddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a foundational understanding to both Charlie Parker's life and the pioneering contributions he made to music through the development of the jazz style known as Bebop. The book includes an extensive list of recommended recordings by Parker. Listening to these while reading Giddins' take on particular songs was highly illuminating and made the music much more accessible to someone like me who has had little exposure to jazz in general and to Parker in particular.

[Goatboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and informative hagiography of Charlie Parker.
Since my knowledge of Parker's life was shallow this felt perfect for now.
The main gift of this book might be all the photos contained within.
Would have enjoyed a bit more explanation of the music theory behind Parker's innovations and what made them as innovative as they were, but definitely felt a worthwhile read.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know much about Charlie Parker, and this book—really, a long essay—is not encyclopedic. But it IS passionate and informative and exciting. It makes you want to hear more, hear all of Parker’s music. The format is large and unwieldy, but the pictures are terrific.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant accounting. So much more music and the clock is ticking.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writer really wants you to know all of the big words he knows, but this book is informative. I learned a decent amount about Charlie Parker, and some of the photography is beautiful

[gekko100 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written, but fairly lightweight, biography of the bird man from Kansas City.