1951

 

Charlie Parker Chronology

 

 

 

Created by Leif Bo Petersen

Last Update: January 13, 2023.

 

Date

Event

References/Further Details

 

January 3

Charlie Parker Quintet

New York, NY.

Red Rodney, Kenny Drew, Curly Russell, and Phil Brown file claims against Parker with Local 802.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 96: No source is given.

This was probably related to the Philadelphia gig in December (see December 25, 1950).

January 9

Charlie Parker Quintet

Club 421, Philadelphia, PA.

January 9-14.

This engagement may not have been realized.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 96: Has locality and dates. No source is given.

I have found no traces of such an engagement in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Red Rodney Plays Philly,” Down Beat, March 9, 1951, 3: “Red Rodney, young  trumpeter  who returned to town with Charlie Parker’s combo, has remained with a unit of his own…”

This may relate to Parker’s December gig in Philadelphia.

 

January 11

Charlie Parker

New York, NY.

Local 802 has summons Parker to attend a meeting in New York on January 11 to give answers to the claims of Red Rodney, Kenny Drew, Curly Russell, and Phil Brown.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 96: No source is given.

January 17

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Max Roach (d).

Unidentified recording studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Mercury.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510117a

 

January 19

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Max Roach (d).

Hotel Diplomat, New York, NY.

Private tape recordings exist.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510119

 

January late

Charlie Parker

Probably WOR Broadcast: Leonard Feather Show. Unidentified date probably January late.

WOR Studio, New York, NY.

VOA broadcast: Jazz Club USA, Leonard Feather (prod).

Recording exists.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510200

This broadcast interview is habitually described as being a part of a VOA broadcast in the series Jazz Club USA, but I have not been able to find a program containing such an interview. From December 1950 Leonard Feather was employed by Station WOR, having a weekly Saturday afternoon show.

In the interview Feather and Parker comment on a magazine article: Cab Calloway, “Is Dope Killing Our Musicians?” Ebony, February 1951, 22-28.

Feather also refers to a notice, which he has sent to Down Beat concerning Parker’s search for a new agent. Such a notice can be found in Down Beat, February 9, 1951, 4 (“Bird, Shaw Split.”)

This content points to an Interview  date in late January.

 

February

Metronome All Stars

Alto Sax:

1. Charlie Parker

2. Lee Konitz

3. Johnny Hodges

 

“All Star Poll Results, Metronome, February 1952, 24–26.

February

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra

Release of Mercury 11058.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded July 6, 1950.

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra

Mercury 11058 A

Melancholy Baby

Mercury 11056 B

Bloomdido

 

“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, February 17, 1951, 74: Rating: Melancholy Baby: 73 (good); Bloomdido: 68 (satisfactory).

 

February

Charlie Parker

Release of Dial 1043.

10” rpm. record

 

Recorded December 17, 1947.

Charlie Parker Quintet

Dial 1043-A

Drifting on a Reed

Recorded July 29, 1946.

Charlie Parker

Dial 1043-B

The Gypsy

 

“What’s on Wax,” Down Beat, February 23, 1951, 16: Drifting on a Reed: 8 stars (out of 10); The Gypsy: 4 stars (out of 10).

“Record Reviews,” Metronome, April 1951, 29: Drifting on a Reed: B (good); The Gypsy: C (mediocre

 

February early

Charlie Parker

The press tells that Charlie Parker intends to split from the Shaw Artist Corporation.

This is not effectuated until late in the year (see November 7).

 

“Johnny Gotham’s New York Beat,” New York Age, February 3, 1951, 9: Charlie Yardbird Parker disassociated with Billy Shaw as of now.

“Bird, Shaw Splits,” Down Beat, February 9, 1951, 4.

 

 

February 9

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp: Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Johnny Brown’s, East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA.

February 9-17.

 

“Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, February 3, 1951, 27: Part of extended tour booked by Shaw Artist Corporation.

Ad in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 9, 1951, 25.

“Charlie Parker at Johnny Brown’s,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 9, 1951, 24.

Ad in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 16, 1951, 22: Charlie Parker. Last two days.

Walter Bishop Jr. in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 46: Tells of the tour and bad business at John Brown’s.

Teddy Blume in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 61: Tells same story of bad business at John Brown’s.

 

 

February 11

Three unidentified local bands

Charlie Parker

Accompanied by local musicians: Charlie Parker (as); Claude McLin (ts); George Freeman (g); Chris Anderson (p); Leroy Jackson (b); Bruz Freeman (d).

Pershing Ballroom, Chicago, IL.

McKie Fitzhugh (mc).

Private tape recordings exist.

 

Photo and caption in Chicago Defender, February 3, 1951, 324

“The Bird Flies into Pershing. Top Local Bands Share Parker’s Bill,” Chicago Defender, February 10, 1951, 32.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510211

 

 

February 19

Fran Warren (voc)

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp: Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Lindsay Lovelies

Harbors and Dale

Al Mack

Town Casino, Buffalo, NY.

February 19-25. 3 shows at 7:30. 10:30, and 1:30.

Lennie Paige (mc).

 

Ad in Buffalo Courier-Express, February 18, 1951, 11C: Opening tomorrow for one week only.

Show program reproduced in K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 13.

 

March

Jazz at the Philharmonic

Release of Norman Granz’ Jazz at the Philharmonic Vol. 13.

Mercury vol. 13.

3 10” 78 rpm. records album.

MG vol. 13.

10” 33 rpm. LP.

 

Recorded September 18, 1949.

Jazz at the Philharmonic

 

Mercury 11062 A

Embraceable You part 1

Mercury 11062 B

The Closer part 3

 

Mercury 11063 B

Embraceable You part 2

Mercury 11063 B

The Closer part 2

 

Mercury 11064 A

Embraceable You part 3

Mercury 11064 B

The Closer part 1

 

MG vol. 13 A

Embraceable You

MG vol. 13 B

The Closer

 

“Album and LP Reviews: Popular” Billboard, March 10, 1951, 32: Very positive review. Rating: 80 (excellent).

Ad for Al Smith's Record Bar, South Bend Tribune, March 16, 1951, 13: Mentions both the LP and the 78 rpm editions.

 

 

March

Charlie Parker with Strings

Release of Charlie Parker with Strings vol. 2

Mercury C-109

3 10” 78 rpm. records album.

Mercury MG C-509

10” 33 rpm. LP.

 

Recorded August/September 1950.

Charlie Parker with Strings

 

Mercury 11070 A

You Came Along from Out of Nowhere

Mercury 11070 B

East of the Sun

 

Mercury 11071 A

They Can’t Take That Away from Me

Mercury 11071 B

I’m in the Mood for Love

Mercury 11072 A

Easy to Love

Mercury 11072 B

I’ll Remember April

 

Mercury MC-509 A

They Can’t Take That Away from Me

You Came along of out of Nowhere

East of the Sun

Mercury MC-509-B

Easy to Love

I’m in the Mood for Love

I’ll Remember April

 

“Album and LP Reviews: Popular” Billboard, March 10, 1951, 32: Very positive review. Rating: 80 (excellent).

Ad for Al Smith's Record Bar, South Band Tribune, March 16, 1951, 13: Mentions both the LP and the 78 rpm editions.

 

 

March 2

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (v); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp: Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Ruth Brown

Willis Jackson and His Orchestra

Berry Bros (dance)

Arnold Dover (mimic)

Paradise Theatre, Detroit, MI.

March 2-8. On stage Saturday 4:30 p.m.: Charlie Parker Concert.

 

“Paradise Features ‘Yardbird’ Parker,” Detroit Free Press, February 28, 1951, 18.

Ad in Detroit Free Press, March 2, 1951, 28.

Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, February 3, 1951, 27: Part of extended tour booked by the Shaw Artist Corporation.

 

March 12

Charlie Parker’s Jazzers

Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Max Roach (d); Luis Miranda (cng); Jose Mangual (bgo).

Unidentified recording studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Mercury.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510312

 

 

March 22

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp: Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Erroll Garner Trio

Erroll Garner (p); John Simmons (b); Shadow Wilson (d).

Slim Gaillard Trio

Birdland, New York, NY.

March 22-28.

 

March 24:

WJZ Broadcast, Symphony Sid (mc).

Charlie Parker with Strings

Slim Gaillard Trio

Recordings exist.

 

“Rhythm and Blues Notes,” Billboard, March 3, 1951, 25: Parker with strings billed at Birdland for 10 days opening March 22. Parker and Strings will proceed opening at the Apollo on April 5. Gaillard had opened at Birdland on February 22.

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, March 17, 1951, 8: Opening March 22: Garner Trio and Parker with Strings.

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, March 24, 1951, 6: Closing March 28: Garner Trio (personnel mentioned), Slim Gaillard, and Parker with Strings.

http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510324

Boris Rose’s Birdland Book.

 

March 29

Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie/Bud Powell

Dizzy Gillespie (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Bud Powell replaced by Billy Taylor (p); Tommy Potter (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Georgie Auld All Stars

Frank Rosolino (tb, voc); Georgie Auld (ts); Harvey Leonard (p); Curly Russell (b); Tiny Kahn (d).

George Kirby (impersonator)

Birdland, NYC.

March 29–April 4.

 

March 31:

WJZ broadcast, Symphony Sid (mc)

Georgie Auld

George Kirby

Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie/Bud Powell

Recordings exist.

 

April early–4.

Voice of America (VOA) broadcast: Jazz Club USA no. 26.

Leonard Feather (prod).

Georgie Auld

Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie/Billy Taylor

Recordings exist.

The material for this broadcast was recorded at Birdland during the last part of this engagement, maybe in connection with one of Leonard Feather WOR broadcasts.

 

“Goings on about Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, March 24, 1951, 6: Closing March 28: Garner Trio, Slim Gaillard, and Parker with Strings. Next evening Charlie Parker (completely unstrung this time), joins Dizzy Gillespie’s outfit, and Georgie Auld’s outfit also moves in.

“Goings on about Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, March 31, 1951, 6: “It is hard to be sure who’s here at a given moment, but the spirit is always one of fractured melody blown forth with a great good will.”

The Symphony Sid announcement from March 31 tells that the Gillespie-Parker group is on the bill through Wednesday.

L. Feather, “Voice of America Sänder Till Europa,” Estrad, May 1951, ?: Dated April 11: Bud Powell has returned to town after his latest “nervous breakdown” and joined with Dizzy and Parker at Birdland., but he did not manage to play the week out.”

Ad in New York Age, April 7, 1951, 13: Dizzy Gillespie was on the bill at the Apollo April 6–12.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510331

Boris Rose’s Birdland Book.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510400

“Radio Programs,” New York Daily News, April 1, 1951, 15: 1:30. WOR: Leonard Feather.

“Radio Programs,” New York Daily News, April 3, 1951, 54: 1:30. WOR: Leonard Feather.

 

 

 

April 5

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp: Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Birdland, New York, NY.

April 5-11.

 

April 7:

WJZ broadcast, Symphony Sid (mc).

Charlie Parker with Strings

Recordings exist.

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, April 7, 1951, 8: “Bebop is spoken here, along with more traditional native dialects.”

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, April 15, 1951, 8: “The cast changes here at the drop of a hat, but the product is usually as solid, man, as ever.”

The only documentation for such a Parker gig is the broadcast listed in Boris Rose’s Birdland Book on April 7.

Here we also find Dizzy Gillespie and Roy Eldrigde in the April 14 and 21 WJZ transmissions, indicating that Parker with strings were only on the bill for a week. Dizzy Gillespie was on the bill at the Apollo April 6–12.

http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510407

3 tracks from Philology Volume 17 (W 847): Easy to Love, Rocker, and Jumpin’ with Symphony Sid: ‘These are usually dated March 17 or March 21. The two last tracks are not mentioned in the Boris Rose’s Birdland Book.

The Symphony Sid announcement reveals the correct date of the tracks: “See you at the Apollo this morning.”

Ad in New York Age, April 7, 1951, 13: Symphony Sid was at the bill at the Apollo the week beginning April 6, so this broadcast fragment must be from April 7.

 

 

April early?

Serge Chaloff /Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker (as); Serge Chaloff (bars); Nat Pierce (p); Jack Lawlor (b); Joe MacDonald (d).

5 cities tour arranged by Boots Mussulli.

 

B. Blumenthal, Liner notes in booklet to the CD: Charlie Parker in Boston, 1952, Uptown UPCD 27.42 (1996), 24: Joe McDonald has told of this tour, ending with a jam session at Christy’s including Wardell Gray and Howard McGhee.

I have not been able to document this tour in New England newspapers.

 

 

April 12?

Jam session

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); Bill Wellington (ts); Wardell Gray (ts); Nat Pierce (p); Jack Lawlor (b); Joe MacDonald (d).

Christy’s, Framingham, MA.

Probably April 12, early morning (April 11 after midnight).

Recordings exist.

 

B. Blumenthal, Liner notes in booklet to the CD: Charlie Parker in Boston, 1952, Uptown UPCD 27.42 (1996), 24: Drummer Joe McDonald has told of this jam session.

Jam Sessions at Christy’s — c. Winter—Spring 1950. ZIM Records: This sheet describes the ZIM Records holdings of tapes from Christy’s. The date given for the Parker tracks is April 12, 1950. Art Zimmerman has recently (2013) informed me that this tape came in a cassette with the written date 4/12/51 and the personnel: McGhee, Parker, Wellington, Pierce, Tommy Potter, and Jim Clark. Listening to the bass solo on Scrapple from the Apple, I hear “Go Jack” yelled 2 times. This is not consistent with the Tommy Potter on the reel label, but points to Jack Lawlor, who played with Nat Pierce in this period,

Zimmerman’s material has only two tracks with Parker: Lullaby in Rhythm and Scrapple from the Apple.

http://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510412

Here one further Parker recording is included: The Happy Bird. This may be from another session.

 

 

April 12

Charlie Parker and His Swing Symphony

Apollo Theater, New York, NY.

Rehearsal for the engagement starting on April 13.

B. Priestley, Chasin’ the Bird (2006), 217 (note 84): Rehearsal on April 12. Priestley refers to contract reproduced in C. Parker [Richardson] and F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 359.

 

 

April 13

Charlie Parker and His Swing Symphony

Reduced band 10 pieces: Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp, Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Full band 18 pieces. Including: Benny Harris (tp); Benny Green (tb); Sahib Shihab (as); Charlie Rouse (ts); Gerry Mulligan (bars & arr).

The Orioles (6 pieces: voc and rhythm).

Nipsey Russell (comedian)

Edward Sisters (dance group)

Joan Shaw (voc)

“Crackshot” (comedy group)

Maxellos (acrobats)

Apollo Theater, New York, NY.

April 13-19.

 

Ad in New York Age, April 14, 1951, 13.

“Orioles... Charlie Parker Head New Apollo Show,” New York Age, April 14, 1951, 15.

“House Reviews: Apollo, N.Y.,” Variety, April 18, 1951, 67 and 73: Review on April 13.

B. Priestley, Chasin’ the Bird (2006), 84:  Mentions big band members. Refers to contract reproduced in C. Parker Richardson and F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 359.

 

April 20?

Charlie Parker Quintet

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Possibly: Symphony Ballroom, Boston, MA.

Possibly April 20 (ending after midnight).

Tape recordings probably by Chan Richardson exist.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510421

K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 18: Photos of 3 tape boxes are shown. One box has the names: Benny Harris, Roy Haynes. Box of reel 2 has the following inscriptions: Bird in Boston. Symphony Hall. 4/21/51.

Closing announcement: “Ladies and Gentlemen, just after playing now to a crowd of ten thousand people, Charlie Parker had a tremendous ovation he was carried on shoulders by the – all the boys here, (we?) say ‘adieu’, to all of us. Good night...”

 

 

April 21

Concert

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp, Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

June Christy

Johnny Hodges and His All Stars

Uline Arena, Washington, DC.

Symphony Sid, Willis Conover (mc).

 

“On the Town,” Washington Post, April 20, B8: Parker, Johnny Hodges, Symphony Sid, Willis Conover (mc).

K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 25: Contract is shown.

“Bird Meets the Rabbit,” Down Beat, May 28, 1951, 19.

 

April 22

Concert

Les Brown Band

including Lucy Ann Polk (voc); Ray Sims (voc & tb).

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (v); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp; Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

June Christy

Butch Stone & Stumpy Brown (comedy)

Mosque, Richmond, VA.

8:30 p.m.

 

Ad in Richmond Times (VA), April 11, 1951, 13.

"June Christy, Brown, Parker Serve Up Triple Dose of Jazz," Richmond Times (VA), April 23, 1951, 10: Review.

https://blog.postercentral.com:

This collection has a concert poster.

Poster

https://blog.postercentral.com/2013/11/07/charlie-parker-concert-poster-1950s-boxing-style-globe-placard/:

 video showing the poster.

 

April 26

Charlie and His All Star Band

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

The Flame, St. Paul, MN.

April 26–May 6.

 

“Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, April 28, 1951, 37: Charlie Parker Quintet. 12 days opening April 26.

Ad in Minneapolis Star, April 26, 1951, 43: Opening tonight Charlie Parker and His All Star unit.

Ad in Minneapolis Star, May 6, 1951, 43: Last night of the Charlie Parker All Star band.

http://www.birdlives.co.uk/gallery/norman-saks-gallery

Norman Saks Collection: Receipt for 10% collection by Local 30: $65,28. Date of engagement 1 week ending May 2, 1951. Day of receipt: May 5, 1951.

Walter Bishop Jr. in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 46: Tells of this gig. It is not clear if the strings were there.

K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 114: a letter from Teddy Blume dated May 1, 1951, shows that Teddy Blume was in St. Paul on that date.

 

 

May

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra

Release of Mercury 11076.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded July 6, 1950.

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra

Mercury 11076 A

Relaxing with Lee

Mercury 11076-B

Leap Frog

 

“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, May 12, 1951, 78: Ratings: Relaxing with Lee: 61 (satisfactory); Leap Frog: 71 (good).

 

 

May 7

Charlie Parker Quintet.

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Lindsey’s Sky Bar, Cleveland, OH.

May 7–14.

Sunday Jam Session 4 pm.

Ad in Plain Dealer, May 6, 1951, 33 D.: Parker starting Monday.

“Swinging Down the Avenue,” Plain Dealer, May 6, 1951, 33 D: “Invades Lindsay’s Sky Bar tomorrow with his hot little Band.”

“Swinging Down the Avenue,” Plain Dealer, May 9, 1951, 25: Review on opening night. Benny Harris mentioned. No mention of strings.

Ad in Plain Dealer, May 13, 1951, 26 D: Herbie Fields opening Tuesday, 15.

 

 

May 19

Charlie Parker with Strings and Quintet.

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp, Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Ivory Joe Hunter Band

Butterbeans and Susie

Riviera Club, St. Louis, MO.

May 19–26.

Blues vs. Bop.

 

“Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, May 12, 1951, 29.

Walter Bishop Jr. in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 46: Tells of this gig. It sounds as if the strings were there. He also tells of Benny Harris being there.

 

May 27

Charlie Parker and His All Stars

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Also, Buffalo’s top jazz musicians.

Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY.

8:30 p.m. Joe Rice, WWOL (prod).

 

Ad in Buffalo Courier-Express, May 26, 1951, 8.

 

May 28

Charlie Parker Quintet

Probably: Little Benny Harris (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Hi-Hat, Boston, MA.

May 28-June 3.

 

“Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, May 26, 1951, 32.

I have not been able to document this engagement in the Boston newspapers.

 

June?

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker is apprehended for drug possession. He later receives a three months’ suspended sentence for drug abuse. His Cabaret Card is revoked.

 

Chan Richardson, My Life In E-Flat (1993), 36: It is not clear from her account precisely when he lost the card. Parker’s engagements at the Apollo Bar and at Birdland in September indicate that he did not lose it until after these gigs.

 

June

Charlie Parker

Release of Dial 1045, 1055, 1056, and 1058.

10” 78 rpm. records.

Release of Dial 1045

Vinyl reissue of unreleased Comet alternative takes by a new record company  and in a new format: 4 minutes on a 10” disc.

 

Red Norvo All Stars

Recorded June 6, 1945

Dial 1045-A

Bird’s Blues

Dial 1045-B

Sing Hallelujah

 

 “What’s on Wax,” Down Beat, June 29, 14: Both sides: 7 (out of 10).

 

 

June

Charlie Parker

Release of  Charlie Parker vol. 1 and 2.

Savoy MG-9000 and 9001

10” LPs

LP re-releases.

 

Be Bop by Charlie Parker

Savoy MG-9000-A

Recorded November 26, 1947.

Now’s the Time

 

Recorded May 7, 1947.

Donna Lee

Chasing the Bird

 

Recorded September 15, 1944.

Red Cross

 

Savoy MG-9000-B

Recorded November 26, 1947.

Ko-Ko

Warming up a Riff

 

Recorded August 14, 1947.

Half Nelson

Sipping at Bells

 

Savoy MG-9001-A

Recorded November 26, 1947.

Billie’s Bounce

 

Recorded May 7, 1947.

Cheryl

 

Recorded August 14, 1947.

Milestones

 

Recorded December 21, 1947.

Another Hair Do

 

Savoy MG-9001-B

Recorded November 26, 1947.

Thriving on a Riff

 

Recorded May 7, 1947.

Buzzy

 

Recorded August 14, 1947.

Little Willie Leaps

 

Recorded December 21, 1947.

Klaunstance

 

“Record Reviews,” Metronome, July 1952, 26–27: Album rating A (Artistically extraordinary). “Here Are Some of the latest Pop Albums,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 4, 1951, This World, 12: Reviews Savoy MG-9004.

What’s on Wax,” Down Beat, January 23, 1952, 14­–15: very positive review. No rating.

June 7

 

Charlie Parker

Personnel unidentified.

Georgie Auld Band

Slim Gaillard

Birdland, New York, NY.

June 7-13.

Parker’s appearance may have been cancelled.

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, June 2, 1951, 6: “A panorama of changing styles of progressive jazz synchronized with a shrill soundtrack.”

“Goings on About Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, June 9, 1951, 6: “The mop-and-bop school having its nightly fling. The Flip Philips band is the main attraction at the moment.”

“Night Life,” Brooklyn Eagle, June 6, 1951, 13: “Jam session: Charlie Parker, Georgie Auld, and Slim Gaillard groups appear for a week starting tomorrow at Birdland.”

Boris Rose’s Birdland Book has no broadcast recordings from Saturday, June 9.

 

 

June 12

Drug Hearings

New York, NY.

June 12-14.

 New York State drug abuse inquiry with public hearings led by Attorney General Nathaniel L. Goldstein.

Birdland, the Apollo Theater, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, and Machito are pointed out by imprisoned drug addict giving testimony.

The police seem to have undertaken raids in the afternoon of June 14 and arrested a number of dealers and users.

 

“State Finds Addict Can Buy Narcotics Anywhere in City,” New York Times, June 15, 1951, 1, 15.

“Girl Addicts Name Places Throughout City Where Are Sold,” New York Times, June 15, 1951,

“Narcotic Listings Assailed by Police,” New York Times, June 16, 1951, 1, 32: The police raided places and persons the preceding afternoon.

“Strong Defense of Music Industry into Dope Inquiry,” Variety, June 27, 1951, 1, 50.

“Addict Drags NYC Clubs...” Down Beat, July 27, 1951, 3.

 

 

June 14

Charlie Parker

accompanied by

Machito Orchestra

Stan Getz Quartet

Slim Gaillard (g & voc)

Birdland, New York, NY.

June 14-20.

This bill was probably realized without Parker and Getz.

June 16:

WJZ broadcast, Symphony Sid (mc)

Brew Moore/Kai Winding, Machito/Brew Moore, and Gaillard.

Recordings exist.

“Goings on about Town: Birdland,” New Yorker, June 16, 1951, 8: “Some of the jazz world’s top brass filters in and out of this alley. On Thursday June 21, Duke Ellington’s band moves in for a brief stint.”

Handbill shown in K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 53: Things to Come: June 14–20: Machito, Charlie Parker, and Stan Getz Quintet.

“Getz, Parker Play Birdland,”  Down Beat, June 29, 1951, 1: states that Charlie Parker is going to open at Birdland with Machito on June 14. Also on the bill: Stan Getz Quartet and Slim Gaillard. Parker and Getz were probably cancelled. This may have connection to drug charges in the press involving Birdland, Parker, and Getz.

Boris Rose’s Birdland Book has recordings with Machito & Brew Moore, Kai Winding, and Slim Gaillard on June 16, but none with Parker and Getz.

 

 

June mid?

Charlie Parker

New York, NY.

 

“On the Upbeat,” Variety, June 27, 1951, 50:

“Norman Granz in NYC to work on recording sessions with Charlie Parker and with Charlie Ventura.”

 

 

June 23

Charlie Parker Quintet

Possibly: unidentified (tp), Charlie Parker (as), unidentified (p), Teddy Kotick (b), Roy Haynes (d).

Eastern Parkway Ballroom, Brooklyn, New York, NY.

Recordings exist.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510623

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 102: lists Al Haig (p). I think this is wrong, I would expect that it is Parker’s regular quintet including Benny Harris and Walter Bishop Jr.

 

June 25?

Charlie Parker Quintet

Charlie Parker (as); Unidentified accompaniment.

421 Club, Philadelphia, PA.

June 25?–July 1?.

 

“It’s Happening Here,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 26, 1961, 25: Parker at Club 421.

K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 28—29: Two advance receipts from Club 421, Philadelphia, dated June 25 and 26.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 103: Has Parker in Philadelphia in May 1951. This may be a mistake for the present gig. Vail has the anecdote of Clifford Brown replacing Benny Harris in this connection, but this rather belongs in August in connection with the Harlem gig.

 

July

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra 

Release of Mercury 11082

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded July 6, 1950.

Charlie Parker and His Orchestra

Mercury 11082 A

An Oscar for Treadwell

Mercury 11082 B

Mohawk

 

“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,”” Billboard, August 4, 1951, 78: An Oscar for Treadwell: 53 (satisfactory): Mohawk: 63 (satisfactory).

“Record Reviews,” Metronome, October 1951, 26: Both sides: B (good).

 

 

 

July early

Charlie Parker

Kansas City, MO.

Charlie Parker goes to Kansas City to visit his mother, Addie Parker.

C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 133: Charlie Parker left New York after having lost his Cabaret Card. He stranded in Kansas City because of a flood. The flood seems to have culminated on July 13, which may have prevented Parker from returning to New York.

Considering Parker’s engagement at the Apollo Bar in New York (see September 7, he may not have lost his Cabaret Card until September.

 

 

July early?

Charlie Parker

Accompanied by unidentified house band.

Tootie’s Mayfair Club, Jackson County, MO.

 

C. Haddix, Bird -The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 134, 176, note 7: Based on interviews with Rusty Tucker and Oscar “Lucky” Oscar.

Addie Parker in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 66: Tells of going to the Mayfair nightly to listen to her son. She dates this 1952, but it may more likely be 1951, where Parker seems to have played there for a longer time than in 1952.

 

July 17

Charlie Parker

New York, NY.

Charlie Parker and Chan Parker’s (Richardson) daughter, Pree, is born.

 

Chan Parker [Richardson], My Life In E-Flat (1993), 36.

Family trees in Ancestry.com: Pree Parker born July 17, New York, NY.

L. Kopitnik, “Bird Documents,” JAM (Jazz Ambassador Magazine), August/September 2015, 12: Here is shown a Western Union Money Order Message sent from Kansas City, MO., with the following text: My Darling put as much as you can on the hospital bill and use the rest for you. I love you beyond explanation your husband.

Kopitnik reads the date on the NY stamping as July 13, but I think it correctly should be read July 18.

 

July 22

Woody Herman Orchestra featuring Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker (as); Roy Caton, Don Fagerquist, Johnny Macombe, Doug Mettome (tp); Urbie Green, Jerry Dorn, Fred Lewis (tb); Woody Herman (as, cl, dir); Dick Hafer, Bill Perkins, Kenny Pinson (ts); Sam Staff (bars); Dave McKenna (p); Red Wooten (b); Sonny Igoe (d).

Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO.

Four spot performances 9:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m.

Francis Spencer (prod).

Private tape recordings exist.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 103: Contract between Charlie Parker and promoter Francis Spencer dated July 19 is shown.

“TV Fights Flood,” Billboard, July 28, 1951, 47: Woody Herman is skedded to come in to play a colored Dance in the auditorium Sunday (22) but the possibility that the date would be cancelled still existed Friday (20). Will Wittig’s Pla-Mor cancelled its Saturday night (14) dance because of the weather but was set to roll this weekend.”

C. Haddix, Bird —The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013), 134—35, 176 (note 8): “Woody Herman, ‘Yardbird’ Perform in Best ‘Show Must Go on’ Tradition, Kansas City Call, July 27, 1951, 3: Woody Herman was on a weeklong engagement at the Pla-Mor Ballroom starting on July 21. The concert at the Municipal Auditorium was for a mixed-race audience. The producer Francis Spencer died unexpectedly few hours before the concert. This explains the newspaper review’s headline.

I guess that Herman’s Pla-Mor engagement was only a one-nighter.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510722

 

August

Machito and His Orchestra

Release of Machito Afro-Cuban Jazz 

Mercury MG C-505

10” 33 rpm. LP.

 

Recorded December 21, 1950.

Machito and His Orchestra

Soloists Flip Philips, Charlie Parker.

Mercury MG C-505 A

Cancion

Mambo 

Mercury MG C-505 B

6/8

Jazz

Rhumba Abierta

 

 “Swinging Down the Avenue,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 5, 1951, 26D: mentions this record.

 

August

Jam session

Charlie Parker (as); Lennie Tristano (p); Kenny Clarke (brushes).

Lennie Tristano’s studio, New York, NY.

Private tape recordings, probably by Chan Parker [Richardson], exist.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 103.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510800

 

August early

Charlie Parker

Holiday Hills, Berkshire Mountains, near Pittsfield, MA.

Parker has a week’s holiday there with his wife, Chan Parker [Richardson].

 

Chan Parker [Richardson], My Life In E-Flat (1993), 32-33: During their vacation Charlie Parker drives away to a roadhouse and jams.

August 8

Charlie Parker Quintet

Red Rodney (tp); Charlie Parker (as); John Lewis (p); Ray Brown (b); Kenny Clarke (d).

RCA 24th Street Studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Mercury.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510808

 

August 13

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker (as); unidentified accompaniment, probably including Benny Harris replaced by Clifford Brown.

Club Harlem, Philadelphia, PA.

August 13-19.

 

“Philly’s Club Harlem Skeds Band Dates,” Billboard, August 18, 1951, 33: Parker opening September; Millinder opening September 20.

“It’s Happening Here,” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 14, 1951, 23: Charlie Parker to Club Harlem opening yesterday.

Benny Harris in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 109: Harris tells that he was fired in Philadelphia and replaced by Clifford Brown.

N. Catalano interview with Tom Darnell in N. Catalano, Clifford Brown (2000), 49–50, 192 note 6–7: Darnell states that it was at Club Harlem and that Parker had fired Benny Harris.

Clifford Brown in N. Hentoff, “Clifford Brown – The New Dizzy,” Down Beat, April 7, 1954, 17: Harris left shortly after the gig started.

 

August 24

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker asks Pepper Adams to join him in a gig in Kansas City on August 24.

When Pepper arrives the club owner informs him that Parker already has been fired from the job.

 

G. Carney, Reflectory: The Life and Musi of Pepper Adams.  Rev. ed. (2022), 121–22.

August 27

Charlie Parker

Lindsay’s Sky Bar, Cleveland, OH.

August 27–September 2.

Mistake or cancelled.

“Rhythm & Blues Notes,” Billboard, August 11, 1951, 40:  Parker at Sky Bar, Cleveland, in the week of August 27.

Ad in Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 26, 1951, 35D:  Stan Getz starts on this date.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 103: Vail shows a telegram from James Petrillo to Parker on August 29, which tells that Parker recently had failed to appear at engagements.

 

September 3

Charlie Parker

Probably accompanied by local musicians.

Union Park Temple, Chicago, IL.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 103–104: A telegram from James Petrillo to Parker on August 29 mentions this gig and Parker is threatened with losing his AFM membership if he does not turn up.

 

September 7

Charlie Parker All Star Band

Unidentified personnel.

Apollo Bar, New York, NY.

September 7-20,

 

Ad in New York Amsterdam News, September 15, 1951, 22: Has Charlie Parker

Ad in New York Amsterdam News, September 22, 1951, 27: Has Henry Red Allen and Max Roach and His Band.

New York Amsterdam News, September 22, 1951, 27: George Palmer review.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 104: Give dates. No source is given.

 

September 22

Charlie Parker with Strings

Blue Note, Chicago, IL.

September 22–October 5.

Mistake or cancelled.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 104: No source is given.

Ad in Chicago Tribune, September 20, 1951, part 4, 5: Sidney Bechet opening at Blue Note Friday.

September 27

Charlie Parker Sextet

Unidentified personnel.

Dizzy Gillespie Band

Unidentified personnel.

Birdland, New York, NY.

September 27-30.

Parker’s engagement was probably not realized.

 

Ad in Daily News, September 27, 1951, 77: “Tonite thru Sunday.”

“Parker Home,” Daily News, September 27, 1951, 77: “Charlie Parker and his sextet join Dizzy Gillespie’s band for a one week stand at Birdland, tonight.”

Boris Rose’s Birdland List: September 29, 1951: Recordings by Miles Davis, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Billy Taylor, Slim Gaillard, and Dizzy Gillespie.

 

October

Release of Dial 201–3. Charlie Parker

10” 33 rpm LPs

LP Re-releases.

 

Dial 201-A:

Charlie Parker Sextet

Recorded March 28, 1946, 1946.

A Night in Tunisia (alt take)

Yardbird suite (alt take)

Moose the Mooche (alt take)

Ornithology

 

Dial 201-B:

Charlie Parker Quintet

Recorded July 29, 1946.

Lover Man

Bebop

The Gypsy

Max Is making Wax

 

Dial 202-A:

Charlie Parker All-Stars

Recorded February 26, 1947.

Relaxing at Camarillo

Cheers

Carving the Bird

Stupendous

 

Dial 202-B:

Charlie Parker Quartet

Recorded February 19, 1947.

Cool Blues

Dark Shadows

Hot Blues

This Is Always

Bird’s Nest

 

Charlie Parker Quintet

Recorded November 4, 1947.

Dial 203-A:

Don’t Blame Me

Dexterity

Bird of Paradise

Bongo Bop

 

Dial 203-B:

Charlie Parker Sextet

Recorded October 28, 1947.

Embraceable You

Dewey Square

Quasimado

Scrapple from the Apple

 

“Here Are Some of the latest Pop Albums,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 4, 1951, This World, 12: Reviews Dial 201, 202, and 203.

“What’s on Wax,” Down Beat, January 23, 1952, 14–15: very positive review. No Rating.

October 16

Charlie Parker with Strings

Probably: Charlie Parker (as); unidentified oboe; Teddy Blume (vln); 3 unidentified strings; unidentified harp, unidentified (p); unidentified (b); Roy Haynes (d)

Johnny Brown’s, East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA.

October 16-17.

 

http://www.birdlives.co.uk/gallery/norman-saks-gallery

Norman Saks Collection: Receipt for 10% collection by Local 471, Pittsburgh: $24.75.  Day of receipt: October 17. 1951. Place of engagement: Johnny Brown’s, Pittsburgh. Date of engagement: 2 days October 16 and 17, 1951. 

I have found no ads for such an engagement in the local papers.

Ad for Johnny Brown’s in Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, October 17, 1951, 18: “Let’s Rhumba Tonite with the Fred Astaire Dancers.”

 

November 4?

Charlie Parker Quintet

Red Rodney (tp); Charlie Parker (as); possibly Rudy Williams (ts); Walter Bishop Jr. (p); Teddy Kotick (b): Roy Haynes (d); Unidentified (voc).

Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

Private tape recordings by Chan Parker [Richardson] exist.

 

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=511104

The presence of a tenor sax may indicate that this session belongs here even if it usually is date June 1951.

November 4

Charlie Parker All Stars

Red Rodney (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Rudy Williams (ts); Teddy Brandon (p); Bonnie Wetzel (b); Roy Haynes (d).

Reynolds Hall, Philadelphia, PA.

7–12 p.m.

Cabaret Party. Jazz Guild (prod).

 

Handbill in K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 10.

“Here’s USO’s Sked as Called for by U.S.A.,” Billboard, November 3, 1951, 2: Pettiford group including Rudy Williams: departure November 5.

“Top-Flight Jazz Musicians Will Entertain Troops,” Seattle Times, November 6, 1951, 8: Pettiford group including Rudy Williams: Departure this week for 10-week tour.

 

November 7

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker signs an agreement with the Shaw Artist Corporation, which releases him from his contract, having fulfilled engagements in Philadelphia and Cleveland and paid his debt to the agency.

 

http://www.birdlives.co.uk/gallery/norman-saks-gallery

Norman Saks collection: Contract

November 19

Charlie Parker

Unidentified personnel.

Showboat, Philadelphia, PA.

November 19-25.

 

http://www.birdlives.co.uk/gallery/norman-saks-gallery

Norman Saks collection: Contract.

“It’s Happening Here,” Philadelphia Inquirer, November 21, 1951, 31: Charlie Parker at the Showboat.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 105: Photo of Parker, Jimmy Knepper, and Haynes. This photo is probably from 1950.

 

November 26

Charlie Parker

Unidentified personnel.

Lindsay’s Sky Bar, Cleveland, OH.

November 26–December 9.

 

“Swinging Down the Avenue,” Plain Dealer (Cleveland), November 25, 1951, 40 D.

Ad in Plain Dealer (Cleveland), November 25, 1951, 39 D.

“Charlie Parker,” Photo and caption in Plain Dealer (Cleveland), November 30, 1951, 32: Charlie Parker and His Mercury recording band.

Ad in Plain Dealer (Cleveland), December 9, 1951, 53D: Final show tonite.

 

December

Charlie Parker

Release of Savoy MG-9010–11. Charlie Parker vol. 3­–4.

10” 33 rpm LPs

LP Re-releases.

 

Be Bop by Charlie Parker

Savoy MG-9010-A

Recorded December 21, 1947.

Bluebird

Bird Gets the Worm

 

Recorded September 18, 1948.

Parker’s Mood

 

Savoy MG-9010-B

Recorded September 18, 1948.

Steeplechase

Perhaps

 

Recorded September 15, 1944.

Tiny’s Tempo

 

Savoy MG-9011-A

Recorded September 18, 1948

Constellation

 

Recorded September 24, 1948

Merry-Go-Round

Recorded September 15, 1944

Riff Warmer (Red Cross?)

 

Savoy MG-9011-B

Recorded September 18, 1948

Barbados

Ah-Leu-Cha

Recorded September 24, 1948

Marmaduke

 

“Brief reviews of recent Albums,” San Francisco Chronicle, December 21, 1951, This World, 27: Reviews Savoy MG-9010 and 9011.

 

December 3

Billy Eckstine Band

Including Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

Sugar Hill, New York, NY.

“Eckstine, Shearing in Carnegie Double,” Daily News, December 1, 1951, 21: “Monday night Eckstine will be guest of honor at Sugar Hill where he will reassemble his original band with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.”

 

December mid

Charlie Parker

Kansas City, MO.

Not true.

 

K. Vail, Bird's Diary (1996) 4, 106: After Cleveland Charlie Parker goes to Kansas City to rest and visit his mother. No source is given. Photo of Parker and Rodney in Kansas City. This photo may be from an earlier visit (April 1948).

C. Haddix, Bird —The Life and Music of Charlie Parker (2013): Has no mention of such a visit.

 

December 28

Down Beat 1951 Band Poll

Combo-Instrumental

22.   Charlie Parker

Alto  Sax

1.     Charlie Parker

2.     Art Pepper

3.     Johnny Hodges

4.     Lee Konitz

5.     Willie Smith

 

“Kenton, Shearing Victors Again…,” Down Beat, December 18, 1951, 1, 12.