Charlie Parker
Alto Sax Solo on
Now's The Time

About

Charlie Parker's alto saxophone solo is the first of three improvisations on this recording of one of his most iconic compositions, a cornerstone of the bebop blues tradition. Taking three choruses of the 12-bar blues in F at 130 BPM, Parker delivers a solo that is among the most transcribed and analyzed improvisations in jazz history. The relaxed medium tempo draws out his characteristic blend of blues feeling and harmonic sophistication, each phrase a model of melodic invention and rhythmic precision.

Charlie Parker was 24 to 25 years old at the time.