Description
Compilation – The Passion Of Charlie Parker – Double Vinyl Records
The compilation album The Passion of Charlie Parker, released on June 16, 2017, is a bold and innovative tribute to the legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, also known as Bird. Conceived by producer Larry Klein, the album reimagines Parker’s music through a narrative lens, combining vocal interpretations of his compositions with lyrics inspired by his life. Featuring contributions from an all-star cast of vocalists like Madeleine Peyroux, Kurt Elling, Gregory Porter, and Melody Gardot, the project bridges the worlds of jazz, storytelling, and modern musical expression.
The Passion of Charlie Parker is not a typical tribute album; it’s a conceptual journey that seeks to capture the essence of Parker’s artistry, struggles, and genius. With arrangements by David Baerwald and a band of accomplished jazz musicians, including saxophonist Donny McCaslin, the album breathes new life into Parker’s enduring legacy.
Rather than presenting instrumental covers of Parker’s iconic works, The Passion of Charlie Parker uses his compositions as a foundation for vocal interpretations. Each song is paired with lyrics that reflect Parker’s experiences, from his meteoric rise as a bebop innovator to the personal struggles that defined his short but impactful life.
The narrative arc of the album mirrors Parker’s journey, exploring themes of ambition, addiction, love, loss, and redemption. The inclusion of contemporary vocalists and their unique styles gives the music a fresh perspective while honoring Parker’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz.
The album stays rooted in jazz but incorporates elements of blues, soul, and modern vocal stylings. Parker’s intricate bebop melodies are transformed into lyrical pieces, with each vocalist bringing their own interpretation and emotional depth. Themes of passion, struggle, and transcendence run throughout the album, reflecting the highs and lows of Parker’s life and career.
Track Highlights
Meet Charlie Parker (Vocals by Madeleine Peyroux)
A haunting and introspective opening track, this reimagining of Parker’s Ornithology sets the tone for the album with its melancholic yet hopeful lyrics.
The Epitaph of Charlie Parker (Vocals by Gregory Porter)
This track, based on Apres Vous, is a soulful and poignant reflection on Parker’s legacy, with Porter’s rich baritone capturing the weight of his life’s struggles.
Yardbird Suite (Vocals by Luciana Souza)
Souza’s ethereal performance brings new light to this bebop classic, blending intricate phrasing with lyrical introspection.
So Long (Vocals by Melody Gardot)
Gardot’s smoky and emotive delivery transforms K.C. Blues into a tender farewell, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy.
Every Little Thing (Vocals by Kurt Elling)
Elling’s dynamic vocal interpretation of Bloomdido captures Parker’s restless energy and relentless creativity.
Los Angeles (Vocals by Kandace Springs)
A reimagining of Mohawk, this track explores Parker’s time in L.A., combining Springs’ smooth vocals with a laid-back groove.
This Is the Thing (Vocals by Sean Jones)
Based on Dexterity, this track features a vocal performance infused with playful energy, reflecting Parker’s artistic brilliance.
Farewell Father (Vocals by Camille Bertault)
A reflective and intimate piece, this reinterpretation of Au Privave is both heart-wrenching and beautiful.
The Passion of Charlie Parker received critical acclaim for its ambitious concept and innovative execution. Critics praised the album’s ability to honor Parker’s legacy while reinterpreting his work in a fresh and emotionally resonant way. The combination of world-class vocalists, inventive arrangements, and a narrative-driven approach set the album apart as a unique tribute to one of jazz’s greatest figures.
For jazz enthusiasts, the album offers a new way to engage with Parker’s music, while for newcomers, it serves as an accessible introduction to his genius. The inclusion of contemporary artists bridges the gap between Parker’s bebop innovations and modern jazz audiences.
Charlie Parker’s influence on jazz and music as a whole cannot be overstated. By reimagining his work through the lens of a concept album, The Passion of Charlie Parker adds a new dimension to his legacy, emphasizing the emotional and human aspects of his story. It invites listeners to connect not just with Parker’s music but with the man behind the legend.
The project also highlights the versatility and timelessness of Parker’s compositions, demonstrating how they can be adapted to new formats and remain relevant across generations.
The Passion of Charlie Parker is more than just a tribute, it’s a reimagining of Charlie Parker’s life and music that captures his brilliance and complexity in a deeply personal way. Through its vocal interpretations, innovative arrangements, and narrative focus, the album offers a fresh perspective on Parker’s legacy. Whether you’re a longtime jazz fan or new to Parker’s world, this compilation is a poignant and powerful homage to one of the greatest musicians in history.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Meet Charlie Parker Lead Vocals – Madeleine Peyroux
The Epitaph Of Charlie Parker Lead Vocals – Barbara Hannigan
Yardbird Suite Lead Vocals – Gregory Porter
So Long Lead Vocals – Jeffrey Wright
Every Little Thing Lead Vocals – Luciana Souza
Central Avenue
Los Angeles Lead Vocals – Kurt Elling
Live My Love For You Lead Vocals – Kandace Springs
Fifty Dollars Lead Vocals – Jeffrey Wright
The King Of 52nd Street Lead Vocals – Melody Gardot
Salle Pleyel
Après Vous
