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1951 |
Charlie Parker Chronology |
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Created by Leif Bo Petersen |
Last Update: December 15, 2024. |
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Date |
Event |
References/Further
Details |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510117a |
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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. |
https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510119 |
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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. |
https://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. |
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February |
Metronome All Stars Alto Sax: 1. Charlie Parker 2. Lee Konitz 3. Johnny Hodges |
“All Star Poll Results, Metronome, February 1952, 24–26. |
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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). |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510211 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510312 |
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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. https://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510324 Boris Rose’s Birdland Book. |
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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. https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510331 Boris Rose’s Birdland Book. https://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. |
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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. https://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. |
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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. |
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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. https://www.plosin.com/milesAhead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510412 Here one further Parker recording is included: The Happy Bird. This may be from
another session. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
https://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...” |
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April 21 |
Symphony Sid Jazz 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). Johnny Hodges and
His All Stars Emmett Berry (tp); Lawrence
Brown (tb); Johnny Hodges (as); Al Sears (ts); Billy Strayhorn (p); Joseph Benjamin
(b); Sonny Greer (d); Leroy Lovett (voc). Uline Arena, Washington, DC. 8:30 pm. Symphony Sid, Willis Conover, John Massey (mc). |
“Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker Head Uline Concert
Stars, April 21,” Washington Afro-American, April 14, 1951, 17. Ad in Washington Afro-American, April 21,
1951, 17. K. Vail (ed.), Charlie
Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 25: Contract is shown. “Bird Meets the Rabbit,” Down Beat, May 28, 1951,
19. |
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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. video showing the poster. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
“Dot, Art, Nat, Make News,” Kansas City Call,
June 1, 1951, 8: opened May 28 for a week. I have not been able to document this engagement in
the Boston newspapers. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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June 4 |
Charlie Parker 421
Club, Philadelphia, PA. June 4-11,
1951. Probably
not realized, considering the gig here later in the month and the planned
Birdland gig. |
“Dot, Art, Tiny Nat Make News,” Kansas City Call, June 1,
1951, 8. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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|
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. |
https://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. |
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|
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510722 |
|
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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. https://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. |
https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=510808 |
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|
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. |
|
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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. |
|
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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. |
|
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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. |
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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.” |
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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. |
https://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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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|
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. |
|