Charlie Parker - Jam Session: In Solid Blue Virgin

PARKER, CHARLIE

Very much in line with his "Jazz at the Philharmonic" concerts, whichwere intended to recreate the magic of a spontaneous jam session infront of a massive audience, producer Norman Granz also brought togetherseveral first-rate jazz soloists in the studio in order create "Jam Session"albums. The 1952 session presented here marks the first of a series thatwould include nine additional extended dates and feature numerous othermusicians. This 1952 date is the only one of the series featuring CharlieParker. It was originally divided onto two LPs, the first volume bearinga yellow cover, and the second one with the same David Stone Martinillustration but with a red cover. Norman Shrdlu, listed as the composer of"Jam Blues", is a fictitious name often employed by Granz for collectivelycreated blues performances.Jam Session marks Charlie Parker's only recorded encounter with CharlieShavers, Ben Webster or Johnny Hodges. He had participated with BennyCarter (and also with a third alto saxophonist, Willie Smith) on a taped 1946AFRS radio show that constitutes their only other conjunct recording. Bird andFlip Phillips had a long history of recording together, beginning with a SarahVaughan session for the Continental label in 1945 and a Red Norvo date forthe Comet label that same year, as well as further studio dates and JATP liveperformances organized by Granz. Barney Kessel had recorded with Parker in1947 during the Dial session that produced among other titles the celebrated"Relaxin' at Camarillo". Bird and Oscar Peterson only recorded together onone other occasion, a March 25, 1952 big band session that was also madefor Norman Granz. During the time Jam Session was recorded, Parker wastrying to stay away from heroin, but that accentuated his alcohol consumption,as shown in the photographs taken at the date, wherehe looked tired and had gained much weight. Hisplaying, however, was truly exceptional. For theballad medley Bird chose "Dearly Beloved". This isthe only reading of the tune in the entire Parkerdiscography, either live or in the studio.

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