Charlie Parker
Alto Sax Solo on
Dark Shadows

About

Charlie Parker opens the solo section on alto sax, stretching out for half a chorus at approximately 93 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of E♭, the solo allows for nuanced, expressive phrasing. As the first voice heard after the head, Parker sets the improvisational tone before passing to Erroll Garner. The tune, composed by Shifty Henry, provides a relaxed framework for Parker's half-chorus alto saxophone solo and Erroll Garner's quarter-chorus piano spot. Bird plays over the first half of the chorus.

Charlie Parker was 26 to 27 years old at the time.