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Charlie Parker opens the solo section on alto sax, stretching out for one chorus at approximately 232 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of E♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. As a contrafact on "'S Wonderful," the underlying harmony is well-trodden territory, giving the soloist a sturdy platform for creative exploration. As the first voice heard after the head, Parker sets the improvisational tone before passing to Howard McGhee. Parker's full-chorus solo demonstrates his ability to bring the same level of invention to any set of changes, while the shorter solos from the other musicians provide contrasting textures and approaches.
Charlie Parker was 26 to 27 years old at the time.
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