In December 1945, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker made history by bringing the frenetic sounds of bebop—then primarily an underground scene for in-the-know musicians—from the East to the West Coast for a two-month residency at Billy Berg’s Hollywood jazz club. It was the beginning of a harrowing and occasionally productive two year-stint for Parker bumming around L.A., showing up at jam sessions, crashing on people’s … Continue reading Charlie Parker – Relaxin’ at Camarillo (1947)

Recorded: probably Hollywood, California, December 29, 1945 Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie – Trumpet Charlie Parker – Alto Sax Jack McVea – Tenor Sax Dodo Marmarosa – Piano Slim Gaillard – Guitar, Vocals Bam Brown – Bass Zutty Singleton – Drums Continue reading Slim Gaillard And His Orchestra feat. Charlie Parker – Slim’s Jam (1945)

Recorded: “Royal Roost”, NYC, December 25, 1948 Personnel: Kenny Dorham – Trumpet Charlie Parker – Alto Sax Al Haig – Piano Tommy Potter – Bass Max Roach – Drums Continue reading Charlie Parker Quintet – White Christmas (1948)