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Lead Sheets for all instruments
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Composer:
Charlie Parker
Year:
1947
Origin:
Recorded on a session for Dial Records
Style:
Swing, usually played at a medium up tempo.
Form:
A1-A2-B-A3 (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]
Key:
Eb Major
Harmony/Overview:
The harmony of this composition is functional, and is very similar to George Gershwin's "Oh, Lady Be Good!". The A sections begin on IMaj7 before IVmi in the 2nd bar (this is sometimes opted for a II - V of bIII instead), and in the 3rd bar returns to IMaj7 before VI7. Bars 3-4 are sometimes approached instead with I7 - bVII7 - VI7, although the original recording does not include these changes. The A sections then continue with a momentary stay on II7 before a final II - V back to the tonic. All of the A sections share the same melody, however each phrase ends slightly differently. The harmony in the bridge is identical to "Oh, Lady Be Good!" and instead of having a set melody it is opened up to the soloist.
Recordings:
Not Charlie Parker's most widely known composition, it has been recorded just over 30 times to date. Charlie Parker first recorded on a session for Dial Records in 1947.
JGC Top Picks:
Roy Hargrove, Parker's Mood, 1995
Kurt Rosenwinkel, Intuit, 1998
Joe Lovano, Bird Songs, 2010
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