Charlie Parker: Lover Man

Track

Lover Man

Artist

Charlie Parker (alto sax)

CD

The Complete Savoy and Dial Master Takes (Savoy Jazz)

Buy Track

Musicians:

Charlie Parker (alto sax), Howard McGhee (trumpet), Jimmy Bunn (piano), Bob Kesterson (bass), Roy Porter (drums).

Composed by Jimmy Davis, Roger “Ram” Ramirez and James Sherman

.

Recorded: Hollywood, July 29, 1946

Albumcovercparkerdialsavoy_1

Rating: 94/100 (learn more)

Recorded in Hollywood for Dial during a West Coast trip, "Lover Man" marks a turning point in Parker’s career. High as a kite on narcotics, Parker was barely able to squeeze off the tune’s notes. Yet despite Parker’s self-destructive streak, his playing here was still far more impassioned than musicians who were sober. Listen as Bird misses the intro but then manages to turn in a heartfelt effort. The same is true of "The Gypsy" from the same date. Following this session, Parker returned to his hotel, set fire to the room, was arrested and placed in Camarillo State Hospital’s psychiatric ward, where he remained until January 1947.

Reviewer: Marc Myers

Tags:

Comments are closed.