Carvin' The Bird, recorded February 26, 1947, is a blues in E-flat by Charlie Parker's New Stars taken at approximately 228-234 BPM. Composed by Howard McGhee, the 12-bar form features solos from a deep roster: Parker leads with two choruses of alto saxophone, followed by McGhee for one chorus on trumpet, Barney Kessel for one chorus on electric guitar, Dodo Marmarosa for one chorus on piano, and Wardell Gray for one chorus on tenor saxophone. The up-tempo blues format provides a common language that allows each soloist to display their individual approach to the form. Parker's two-chorus opening statement is characteristically inventive, establishing a high standard that the subsequent soloists rise to meet. The tune's melody is a typical bebop blues head with a memorable riff, and it became a moderately well-known piece in the jazz repertoire. This recording captures the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the West Coast bebop community, with each musician contributing a personal voice to the collective performance.
