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Charlie Parker opens the solo section on alto sax, stretching out for one chorus at approximately 224 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of B♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. As a contrafact on "I Got Rhythm," 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 Miles Davis. This October 1947 Savoy session marks the debut of Parker's classic quintet with Davis, Jordan, Tommy Potter on bass, and Roach on drums, a configuration that would produce some of the most important recordings in jazz.
Charlie Parker was 26 to 27 years old at the time.
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