Chasin' the Bird, recorded May 8, 1947, is a Parker original based on rhythm changes in the key of F at approximately 190 BPM with a 32-bar AABA form. Performed by the Charlie Parker Quintet, the recording is notable for its contrapuntal melody, in which Parker's alto saxophone and Davis's trumpet weave independent but harmonically complementary lines, an unusual approach for a bebop head. Parker's one-chorus alto saxophone solo is followed by a half-chorus from Miles Davis on trumpet and a half-chorus from Bud Powell on piano. The contrapuntal writing of the theme demonstrates Parker's compositional ambition beyond simple unison melodies, suggesting an awareness of formal techniques more commonly associated with classical music. This Savoy session recording captures the Parker quintet with the rhythm section of Powell, Tommy Potter on bass, and Max Roach on drums, one of the most important small-group configurations in jazz history. Chasin' the Bird remains a distinctive entry in Parker's catalogue, valued for its compositional sophistication as much as its improvisations.
