(Press release)
Charlie Parker is one of the most important figures in the history of jazz music, and one of its most tragic heroes. He is also one of a handful of twentieth-century musicians who was an authentic catalyst for far-reaching change.
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra delves into the Parker catalogue and brings his brilliant vision to pulsating life in a concert series that will make this November one to remember. All of Charlie Parker’s original invention is explored, with further refinements in new arrangements specially commissioned by the SNJO.
There are new charts from Julian Argüelles, Sean Gibbs and Bill Dobbins, and original thinking from familiar SNJO arrangers Martin Kershaw, Florian Ross, Christian Elsässer, Laurence Cottle and Geoffrey Keezer. Their work allows the SNJO to re-visit Parker classics such as Donna Lee, Cheryl, Yardbird Suite, Parker’s Mood and Anthropology, and gild them with renewed vitality, fresh ideas and the gleam of modernity
Charlie Parker indisputably came up with the initial musical concept that became ‘bebop’; a complex free-flowing jazz form that sparked into life almost of its own volition. However, the effect was almost incendiary, and it divided opinion amongst players, fans and critics. It was also unstoppable, and can still be heard today in the furthest reaches of the jazz landscape.
Parker seemed unfazed by it all, and had this to say about his provocative innovation, “Music can stand much improvement. Most likely, in another 25, maybe 50 years, some youngster will come along and take this style and really do something with it.”
Bebop made Parker famous, but it was his musicianship, charisma and energy that made him a star and the first real hero of modern jazz. Fellow musicians were in awe of him, fans loved him and his music had widespread commercial appeal, even when it challenged convention.
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra specializes in striking a similar balance between celebration and inspiration. They illustrate why jazz is one of the great live musical experiences, not least because of people like Charlie Parker. His spirited music has long outlived his own legend, and it remains a living flame that the SNJO is particularly qualified to carry into the future of orchestral jazz.
The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is sponsored by Creative Scotland
Sun, 13 Nov 2016 @ 7.30 p.m. RCS Glasgow
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