Charlie Parker Interviewed by Paul Desmond

While digging through the John Coltrane archive last week for the 50th Anniversary of A Love Supreme, we also unearthed an interview of Charlie Parker by fellow alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Recorded in 1954, a year before Parker passed, this rare footage gives us "the facts" behind Parker's prolific technique, and a greater perspective on his concept (bebop), which changed music in the 1940s.

Trumpeter Kenny Dorham's Whimsical Liner Notes From Joe Henderson's 'Page One'

Page One album artwork (Photo: Francis Wolff)

"Long Tall Dexter [Gordon]" asked the young man [Joe Henderson] if he'd like to play some. Minutes afterward, the musical astronaut was on the launching pad, and the count down was in progress with a three man crew (rhythm section) behind him. There was a thunderous (Art Blakey type) roar from the battery man, and the saxophonist was off and soaring his (lyrical) way to new heights on a Charlie Parker blues line. At the end of the chorus (and I do mean 15 to 20), there was a warm and exhilarating applause for Joe, and as for Dex, sitting on the side, he looked 'gassed.'"

-- Kenny Dorham, excerpt from the liner notes, Page One, Blue Note Records.

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