Charlie Parker: Everything Happens to Me

Track

Everything Happens to Me

Artist

Charlie Parker (alto sax)

CD

Charlie Parker With Strings: The Master Takes (Verve 523984)

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Musicians:

Charlie Parker (alto sax), Ray Brown (bass), Buddy Rich (drums),

Mitch Miller (oboe, English horn), Stan Freeman (piano), Meyer Rosen (harp), Bronislaw Gimpel, Max Hollander, Milton Lomask (violins); Frank Brieff (viola), Frank Miller (cello), Jimmy Carroll (arranger/conductor)

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Arranged and conducted by Jimmy Carroll. Composed by Tom Adair and Matt Dennis

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Recorded: New York, November 30, 1949

Albumcovercharlieparkerwithstrings

Rating: 98/100 (learn more)

Following Bird’s triumphant solo in 1947 on Neal Hefti’s masterpiece "Repetition," Clef Records producer Norman Granz set up another orchestral date. This time, six sides were recorded with strings, harp and oboe. (Yes, Mitch Miller and Bird on the same record date!) Though "Just Friends" would become a big juke-box hit from the session, "Everything Happens to Me" actually features a finer arrangement and superior playing by Bird—who seems to be channeling Sinatra’s vocal here. From the pizzicato opener and shimmering strings to the Big Ben-like closer, Jimmy Carroll’s Axel Stordahl-inspired chart frames Bird’s vulnerability well.

Reviewer: Marc Myers

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