Steeplechase, recorded September 18, 1948, is a rhythm changes composition by Charlie Parker, performed by the Charlie Parker All Stars at approximately 173-176 BPM in B-flat with a 32-bar AABA form based on I Got Rhythm. Parker's one-chorus alto saxophone solo is followed by a full chorus from Miles Davis on trumpet and a half-chorus from John Lewis on piano. The medium-up tempo is more relaxed than many of Parker's rhythm changes recordings, allowing for a more lyrical approach to the familiar changes. Parker's melody for Steeplechase is one of his more elaborate rhythm changes heads, with a distinctive contour that sets it apart from similar vehicles. His solo is characteristically inventive, finding new pathways through the well-traveled harmonic territory with apparent ease. Davis sounds increasingly like his own man in his solo, moving beyond the influence of Gillespie and Parker toward the spare, cool-toned approach that would define his mature style. This September 1948 session was among the last Parker recorded for Savoy.
