It has been argued -- quite convincingly, actually -- that Charlie Parker was the most influential soloist in jazz history. Certainly, he's one of the top three, topped perhaps only by Louis Armstrong (who, after all, essentially invented the form), and nowhere is that more evident than on such theme songs as "Ornithology" and "Yardbird Suite." Ranking just behind "Ko Ko" as the most familiar items in his catalog, the songs are showcases for his intense, dizzying style. His technique was unbelievable -- fast but articulate, filled with notes, yet extremely musical. It was revolutionary music and it still sounds like the work of a determined pioneer that cannot be swayed from his vision. In other words, it's intense and the passage of years has done nothing to diminish its fire.
Charlie Parker Septet
Ornithology
Composed by Benny Harris / Charlie Parker
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Song Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Appears On
| Year | Artist/Album | Label | Time | AllMusic Rating | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1997 | Rhino / Warner Bros. | 3:00 | ||||
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1997 |
Various Artists
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Fantasy | ||||
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2000 |
Various Artists
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Proper Sales & Dist. | 3:01 | |||
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2001 | EPM | 2:58 | ||||
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2003 | JSP | 3:02 | ||||
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2004 | Trilogie | 3:00 | ||||
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2005 | Universe | 3:00 | ||||
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2005 | Master Classics | 3:01 | ||||
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2011 | Emarcy | 3:01 |
