Charlie Parker
Alto Sax Solo on
Don't Blame Me

About

Charlie Parker opens the solo section on alto sax, stretching out for one chorus at approximately 66 BPM. Set within a ballad setting, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of C, the solo allows for nuanced, expressive phrasing. As the first voice heard after the head, Parker sets the improvisational tone before passing to Miles Davis. Parker's one-chorus alto saxophone solo explores the tune's lush harmonic landscape with characteristic invention and beauty, constructing long, arching lines that unfold with an almost vocal quality. Bird improvises as he plays the melody.

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