Howard McGhee
Trumpet Solo on
Carvin' The Bird

About

Howard McGhee's trumpet solo is the 2nd of 5 on this recording, spanning one chorus at approximately 232 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 12-bar Blues form and the key of E♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. Positioned between Charlie Parker and Barney Kessel, McGhee bridges the conversation between the two. 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. The lively tempo energizes the improvisation and encourages fleet phrasing.

Howard McGhee was 28 to 29 years old at the time.