1947

 

Charlie Parker Chronology

 

 

 

Created by Leif Bo Petersen

Last updated: December 31, 2022.

 

Date

Event

 

References/Further Details

 

January

Metronome All Stats 1946

Alto Sax

1. Johnny Hodges

2. Willie Smith

3. Charlie Parker

 

Tenor Sax

1. Coleman Hawkins

2.Flip Philips

3. Vido Musso

 

Trumpet

1. Dizzy Gillespie

2. Roy Eldridge

3. Charlie Shavers

 

“Metronome All Stars 1946 Edition,” Metronome, January 1947, 25.

 

January 1

Down Beat 1946 Band Poll

 

Favorite Soloist

20 Charlie Parker

 

Alto Sax

1. Johnny Hodges

2. Willie Smith

3. Charlie Parker

 

“Ellington Cops Both Crowns,” Down Beat, January 1, 1947, 1, 20.

January

mid

Charlie Parker

Russ Russell and Chan Richardson (Parker) are in contact concerning a Three Deuces homecoming gig for Charlie Parker in New York.

 

Chan Parker and  F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 68: Photo of letter from Ross Russel to Chan Richardson. The first line shows that they had communicated before February 1.

January

mid

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker renews his contract with Dial for one year.

 

R. Russell, Bird Lives (1994), 234.

January

late

Charlie Parker

Parker is released from Camarillo.

Ross Russell has taken the role of “legal guardian.”

At Parker’s release Doris Sydnor (Parker) accompanies him in bus from Camarillo, and they end up dining with Gene Montgomery and Teddy Edwards.

 

“Teddy Edwards Interview” Cadence, April 1994, 11: Ross Russell was not present at the release.

R. Russell, Bird Lives (1988), 234–35: Russell claims that he took Parker from Camarillo in his Chevrolet and afterwards to a party at Tempo Music Shop. This is probably not true.

January

late

Jam Session

Charlie Parker (as); Errol Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Jo Jones (d); June Christy (voc).

Bird in the Basket, Los Angeles, CA.

“Teddy Edwards Interview” Cadence, April 1994, 11: On the night of his release Parker sits in at the Bird in the Basket, where Erroll Garner and June Christy are on the bill.

Howard McGhee in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1987), 175–76: Tells that on the night of Parker’s release, Parker joined McGhee’ band at its opening at the Hi-De-Ho Club. This is probably not true.

 

February 1

Jam session

Charlie Parker (as), Melvyn Broiles, Howard McGhee, Shorty Rogers (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Russ Freeman (p); Arnold Fishkin (b); Jimmy Pratt (d).

Chuck Kopely ‘s apartment, Los Angeles, CA.

Welcome home party.

Privately recorded lacquers by Ross Russell exist.

 

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470201

 

February 2

Charlie Parker and Errol Garner Trio

Charlie Parker (as); Errol Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d).

Pete Dailey’s Chicagoans

Billy Berg’s, Hollywood, CA.

Sunday Matinee “Battle of Old vs. New.”

Possibly the same on the 3 following Sunday afternoons.

 

“Los Angeles Band Briefs,” Down Beat, March 12, 1947, 8.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 22: Gives date and states that it is the first of 4 sessions (no source given).

February 7

Charlie Parker

Chan Richardson answers Ross Russell: Sammy Kaye is positive about a Three Deuces engagement for Charlie Parker. The plans implied a combo including Howard McGhee and Erroll Garner.

 

Chan Parker and  F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 68: Photo of letter from Chan Richardson to Ross Russell dated February 7.

R. Russell, Bird Lives (1988), 236-38: The complete letter is reprinted here.

February 9

Charlie Parker and Errol Garner Trio

Charlie Parker (as); Errol Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d).

Billy Berg’s, Hollywood, CA.

Sunday Matinee.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 22: This would be the second if there were 4 as stated.

February 13

Jam session

Including Howard McGhee, Charlie Parker, Jack Teagarden, Lucky Thompson, Wardell Gray, Wild Bill Moore, and Barney Kessel.

Casablanca, Los Angeles, CA.

 

“I Cover the Town,” California Eagle, February 20, 1947, 18.

February 16

Charlie Parker and Errol Garner Trio

Charlie Parker (as); Errol Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d).

Billy Berg’s, Hollywood, CA.

Sunday Matinee

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 22: This would be the third if there were 4 as stated.

February

mid

Charlie Parker Quartet and Earl Coleman

Charlie Parker (as); Erroll Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d); Earl Coleman (voc).

Lester Young’s family home, Los Angeles, CA.

Rehearsal at Lester Young’s apartment preparing the Dial recording session.

 

Earl Coleman in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1987), 181:  Rehearsal at Lester Young’s home some days before the recording session.

February 19

Charlie Parker Quartet and Earl Coleman

Charlie Parker (as); Erroll Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d); Earl Coleman (voc).

C. P. MacGregor Studio, Hollywood, California

Commercial recordings for Dial Records.

 

Ross Russell in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 200–201: Russell tells in detail about the session.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470219

February 19

Jam session

Including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane (as), and unidentified (g).

Lester Young’s family home, Los Angeles, CA.

Private recording dubbed or recorded by Dean Benedetti exist.

 

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 23: Party after the recording session (no source given).

Earl Coleman in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1987), 182: Mentions John Coltrane’s presence at the recording studio. In his version there is a jam session in the recording studio.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470300

 

February 23

Charlie Parker and Errol Garner Trio

Charlie Parker (as); Errol Garner (p); Red Callender (b); Harold Doc West (d).

Billy Berg’s, Hollywood, CA.

Sunday Matinee.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 22: This would be the fourth if there were 4 as stated (no source given).

February 24

Charlie Parker’s New Stars

Howard McGee (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Wardell Gray (ts); Dodo Marmarosa (p); Barney Kessel (g); Red Callender (b); Don Lamond (d).

Rehearsal two days before recording session.

 

Ross Russell in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 201.

 

February 26

Charlie Parker’s New Stars

Howard McGee (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Wardell Gray (ts); Dodo Marmarosa (p); Barney Kessel (g); Red Callender (b); Don Lamond (d).

C. P. MacGregor Studio, Hollywood, CA.

Commercial recordings for Dial Records.

 

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470226

February 28

Howard McGhee Quintet featuring Charlie Parker

Howard McGhee (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Russ Freeman? (p); Harry Babasin? (b); Roy Porter (d).

Hi-De-Ho Club, Los Angeles, CA.

February 28–March 13?

March 1-13:

Lacquer (acetate) recordings by Dean Benedetti exist.

“Parker Working in L.A. Club,” Down Beat, March 12, 1947, 8: opening February 28.

“On the Upbeat,” Variety, February 26, 1947, 46: opening Wednesday 26.

“Music Notes,” Variety (Daily), February 24, 1947, 14: opening Friday: McGhee, Charlie Parker, Harry Babasin, Roy Porter, Russ Freeman.

Howard McGhee in I. Gitler, Swing to Bop (1987), 176: Hampton Hawes was in the band.

Losin has Hampton Hawes (p) and Addison Farmer (b).

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470301

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470302

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470303

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470304

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470306

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470307

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470308

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470309

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470311

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470312

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470313

 

March

Dizzy Gillespie

Release of The Be Bop Man - Dizzy Gillespie and His All Stars

Musicraft S7.

4 10" 78 rpm. records album.

Some, or all of these records were also later released as individual singles.

Charlie Parker appears on 485 A, 486 B, 488 A, and 488 B.

 

Reissue of Guild 1001-A by a new record company,

Dizzy Gillespie Sextet

Musicraft 485 A

Groovin’ High

Recorded May 15, 1946.

Dizzy Gillespie Sextet - Vocal by Alice Roberts

Musicraft 485 B

A Hand Fulla Gimme

 

Dizzy Gillespie Sextet

Recorded February 9, 1945.

Reissue of Guild 1001-B by a new record company.

Musicraft 486 A

Blue 'N Boogie

Recorded May 11, 1945

Reissue of Guild 1003-B by a new record company.

Musicraft 486 B

Hot House

 

Recorded September 7, 1946.

Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra

Musicraft 487 A

Ray’s Idea

Dizzy Gillespie Sextet - Vocal by Alice Roberts

Musicraft 487 B

He Beeped When He Should Have Bopped

 

Recorded February 28, 1945.

Dizzy Gillespie Sextet

Musicraft 488 A

All the Things You Are

Musicraft 488 B

Dizzy Atmosphere

 

“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, March 1, 1947, 31. 

“Album Reviews,” Billboard, May 10, 1947, 138: favorable.

“Weekly Review of the New Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 30, 1947, 4D.

“Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Hot Jazz,” Down Beat, April 23, 1947, 18–19:  Rating: 485 A: 3 notes (tasty); 486 B: 3 notes (tasty); 486 A and B: 3 notes (tasty).

“Advance Record Releases” Billboard, September 20, 1947, 141: mentions release of Guild 488.

 

March 25

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker and Doris Sydnor leave for Chicago.

Chan Parker and  F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 68: Photo of letter from Ross Russell to Chan Richardson dated March 25: here he writes that Parker leaves for Chicago on March 25.

Doris Sydnor in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 180.

R. Russell, Bird Lives (1988), 240–41: Tells in detail of driving Parker to the departure from Los Angeles International Airport.

 

March late

Dances/Concerts

Including Parker and Howard McGhee.

Chicago, IL.

Miramar Ballroom? Gary, IN.

Jazz Oral History Project, IJS, Rutgers University: Howard McGhee interviewed by Ira Gitler (1982). Reprint in  C. Woideck (ed),  The Charlie Parker Companion (1998), 161:  “A couple of one-night stands in Chicago and one in Gary, Indiana.

 

April

Savoy Presents the New Modern Jazz — Be Bop 

Release of Savoy Presents the New Modern Jazz — Be Bop 

Savoy S 506.

4 10" 78 rpm. records album.

Charlie Parker appears only on 903-B.

 

Recorded September 5, 1946.

The Bebop Boys

Savoy 900-A

Webb City Part One

Savoy 900-B

Webb City Part Two

 

Recorded September 5, 1946.

The Bebop Boys

Savoy 901-A

Fat Boy Part One

Savoy 901-B

The Bebop Boys:

Fat Boy Part Two

 

Recorded September 25, 1946.

The Bebop Boys - James Moody

 Savoy 902-A

Moody Speaks

Savoy 902-B

Smokey Hollow Jump

 

Recorded July 31, 1946.

The Bebop Boys -  Stan Getz:

Savoy 903-A

Opus De Bop

Recorded November 26, 1945

The Bebop Boys -  Charlie Parker:

Savoy 903-B

Thriving from a Riff (Anthropology)

 

“Weekly review of the New Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 16, 1947, 4D: positive review.

“Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Hot Jazz,” Down Beat, January 14, 1948, 14: Review of Savoy 903 as a single: Thriving from a Riff: 3 notes (tasty).

 

April 6

Dance

Including Parker and Howard McGhee.

Pershing Ballroom, Chicago, IL.

Chan Parker and  F. Paudras, To Bird with Love (1981), 68: Photo of letter from Ross Russell to Chan Richardson dated March 25: here he writes that Parker and McGhee will play a dance at Easter Sunday.

Doris Sydnor in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 180: Names the location “Persian Ballroom.”

Howard McGhee interviewed by Phil Schaap. “Bird Flight.” Radio WKCR, Columbia University (1977 or 1978).

Jazz Oral History Project, IJS, Rutgers University: Howard McGhee interviewed by Ira Gitler (1982). Reprint in  C. Woideck (ed),  The Charlie Parker Companion (1998), 161: Pershing in Chicago…a couple of night stands there and in Gary, Indiana.

 

April 7?

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker and Doris Sydnor arrive in New York and move in at the Dewey Square Hotel, W. 117th St. They lived here for the next year.

Sadik Hakim and Bud Powell visit Parker on his first day in New York.

 

R. Russell, Bird Lives (1988), 243. This date may be pure conjecture.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 26: Gives date (no source given).

Sadik Hakim in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 102–03.

 

April 8?

Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra

Savoy Ballroom, New York, NY.

Parker visits and sits in.

An anecdote telling that Parker was thrown out of Gillespie’s band here is false.

 

“Band Routes,” Afro-American, February 22, 1947, 3: Gillespie opening on March 28 for an “indefinite stay” at Savoy Ballroom, New York, NY.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, April 4, 1947, 21: Gillespie closing at Savoy April 11.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 26: Gives date (no source given).). This date may be pure conjecture.

Ray Brown in D. Gillespie and J. Fraser, To Be or Not to Bop (1979), 271: “I remember when Bird got out of the hospital in California. He came back East, and Dizzy’s band was up at the Savoy, and he came up and sat in, and that was a fantastic night.”

The original source of the false anecdote is Gil Fuller in D. Gillespie and A. Fraser, To Be, or Not… to Bop (1979), 256–57: Fuller’s story about Parker in Gillespie’s big band is misplaced by Gillespie and Fraser. It really belongs to the Hepsations band in September 1945. See also L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, The Music and Life of Theodore ‘Fats’ Navarro – Infatuation (2009), 130, 158 notes 158–59.

From the Gillespie memoirs this anecdote has wandered to Chambers’ Miles Davis biography (J. Chambers, Milestones, vol. 1 (1983), 55–56), and to Miles Davis’ so-called autobiography (M. Davis and Q. Troupe, Miles (1990), 99-10), where Fuller’s account is placed into Miles Davis’ mouth.

 

April 14

Jam Session Concert

Charlie Parker

Accompanied by

Miles Davis (tp);  Steve Pullman (tb); Tony Scott (cl);  Hal Singer (ts);  Ernie Washington (p); Jimmy Butt (b);  Chris Columbus Jr.

Leo Parker – Serge Chaloff

Battle of baritone saxes.

Bob Harwell and His Trio

Guests: Ralph Cooper, Betti May, Chris Columbus, Miss Cornshucks, and others.

Small’s Paradise, New York, NY.

Blue Monday Jazz Concert

John Jackson (mc).

9:30 p.m.

 

Ad in New York Amsterdam News, April 12, 1947, 21: Baritone sax duel between Leo Parker and Serge Chaloff; Miles Davis, Ernie Washington, Jimmy Butts, Art Blakey, Steve Pullman, and Hal Singer; Robert Harvell and His Trio

This program was modified, having Charlie Parker as main attraction.

“Yardbird Parker in Smalls Rebop,” New York Amsterdam News, April 12, 1947, 21: Has Parker (as) accompanied by:  Miles Davis (tp); Steve Pullman (tb); Hal Singer (ts): Ernie Washington (p);  Jimmy Butt (b);  Chris Columbus Jr. (d).

“Diz Gillespie Champ Bebopper Guest at Smalls,” New York Amsterdam News, April 19, 1947, 21: Review: also mentions ‘’Tony Scott, the baritone battle, and gives a list of guests. No mention of Bob Harwell Trio.

Tony Scott in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 209: Scott tells of meeting Parker here.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 26: Has a homecoming party at Small’s on April 7. This may be a misdating of this one.

Ad in  New York Amsterdam News, April 5, 1947, 23: Has J.C Heard, Big Nick Nicholas, Hal Singer, and Chris Columbus Jr on the Monday 7 jam session.

 

April 23

Charlie Parker

Parker gets a 3 -year contract with the Moe Gale Agency.

“Broadway Chatter,” New York Age, April 26, 1947, 11: 3-year contract communicated last Wednesday.

 

April/May

Charlie Parker Band

Including Max Roach.

Brooklyn, New York, NY.

Arranged by Max Roach.

 

Max Roach in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 195: Parker came late and was unwilling to play more than one number.

May early

Charlie Parker 

Release of Dial 1012.

10" 78 rpm. record.

Charlie Parker appears only on 1012 A.

 

Recorded February 26, 1947.

Charlie Parker All Stars

Dial 1012-A

Relaxin’ at Camarillo

Recorded September 21, 1946.

The Mad Monks — Serge Chaloff

Dial 1012-B

Blue Serge

 

"Weekly Review of the New Records," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 7, 1947, 4D: favorable review.

“Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Hot Jazz,” Down Beat, May 21, 1947, 17: Rating: Relaxing at Camarillo: 2 notes (tepid).

“Diggin’ the Discs with Tom: Jazz,” Down Beat, June 2, 1948, 14: Rating: Relaxing at Camarillo: 3 notes (tasty)

”Record Reviews,” Metronome, August 1947, 37: Blue Serge: C+ (fair); Relaxin’ at the Camarillo: C (mediocre).

Dial's releases continue to be a messy affair, having different track and/or different take combinations on the same or differing series numbers.

May 3

Saturday Night Swing Session

Hazel Scot; Charlie Shavers; Charlie Parker; Linton Garner; Kenny Rogers; Tony Scott; The Ragamuffins.

WNEW broadcast 8:30 p.m.  Bob Bach (prod); Art Ford (mc).

The show was recorded for AFRS by Tony Janak.

Private lacquer (acetate) recordings of parts of the show exist in a private collection: Hazel Scott, Tony Scott, Charlie Shavers, and Charlie Parker and the Ragamuffins.

 

“On the Radio Today,” New York Times, May 3, 1947: WNEW: 8:30 p.m.: News – Swing Session.

“Today’s Radio Highlights,” New York Post, March 15, 1947, 8: WNEW: 8:30: Hazel Scott, “Bird” Parker.

 

May 3

Charlie Parker

Leonard Feather interviews Parker after the WNEW show.

 

L. Feather, “Yardbird Flies Home,” Metronome, August 1947. Reprinted in C. Woideck, The Charlie Parker Companion (1998), 61–64: Interview with ‘Charlie Parker. 

 

May early

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp), Charlie Parker (as), Bud Powell (p), Tommy Potter (b), Max Roach (d).

Rehearsals for Savoy recording session at Teddy Reig’s apartment and at Max Roach’s mother’s apartment.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 27 (no source given).

 L. Feather, “Yardbird Flies Home,” Metronome, August 1947. Reprinted in W. Woideck, The Charlie Parker Companion (1998), 61–64: Interview with ‘Charlie Parker: Here Feather tells of rehearsals at Bud Powell’s mother’s house in Willow Grove, Philadelphia, PA.

 

May 5

JATP

Buck Clayton, Roy Eldridge (tp); Kai Winding (tb); Willie Smith, Charlie Parker (as); Coleman Hawkins, Flip Philips (ts); Harry Carney (bars); Kenny Kersey, Billy Strayhorn, Hank Jones. Lennie Tristano (p); Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Safranski, Benny Fonville (b); Alvin Stoller, Buddy Rich (d); Helen Humes (voc).

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY. 8:00 p.m.

Fats Navarro was not performing here, despite his presence in the ad in New York Amsterdam News on May 3.

Broadcast WNYZ: 10:00 p.m.

Surviving recordings exist.

 

“On the Upbeat,” Variety, April 9, 1047. 40: JATP will do six dates in the Carnegie Hall Pop Concert series.

Ad in New York Amsterdam News, May 3, 1947, 21.

“Granz N. Y. Bash Misses,” Down Beat, May 21, 1947, 6: this very comprehensive review has no mention of Navarro, but mentions Kai Winding, Roy Eldridge and Charlie Parker who seem to have been the surprise stars.

“On the Radio Today,” New York Times, May 5, 1947: WNYC, 10:00 p.m.: Carnegie Pop Concert: Jazz at the Philharmonic — Presented by Norman Granz.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470505

 

May 5

Jam Session Concert

Charlie Parker (as); Morris Lane vs. James Moody (tenor battle); Kenny Dorham (tp); Tony Scott (cl); Gil Coggins (p); Jimmy Butts (b); Teddy Stewart (d); Joe Livingstone and His Quartet.

Small’s Paradise, New York, NY.

9.30 p.m.

Blue Monday Jazz Concert

Johnny Jackson (prod).

The ad states that this is Parker’s second appearance in New York.

 

Ad in New York Amsterdam News, May 3, 1947, 23.

“Yardbird Parker Is Blue Monday Jam ‘Sesh’ Star,” New York Amsterdam News, May 3, 1947, 23.

 

May 7

Concert

Including Dafora (dancer); Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Bill Alvarez, Pepe Becké, Eladio Gonzales, Diego Iborra, and Ralph, Mora.

Hotel Diplomat, New York, NY.

African Interlude.

 

“The Dance: Notes,” New York Times, April 20, 1947, X6.

“Bombastic “Be-Bop,” New York Amsterdam News, May 17, 1947: Article reproduced in the booklet to the CD set, Chano Pozo: El Tambor de Cuba, Tombao (2009], 67.

http://www.montunocubano.com/Tumbao/ biographies/iborra,%20diego.htm: Photo of Gillespie and Afro-Cuban drummers, including Diego Ibarro.

 

May 8

Charlie Parker All Stars

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Bud Powell (p); Curly Russell (b); Max Roach (d).

Harris Smith Studios, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Savoy.

 

T. Reig and E. Berger, Reminiscing in Tempo (1990), 21: Teddy Reig gives details from the session.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470508

 

May 31

Concert

Salute to the Negro Veterans

Dizzy Gillespie (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Milt Jackson (vib); John Lewis (p); Ray Brown (b); Joe Harris (d).

Dan Burley (p); June Hawkins; Muriel Gaines; Hope Foye; Robert P?; Deek Watson’s Brown Dots; Harlem Symphonic Choir.

Town Hall, New York, NY.

3 p.m.

Salute to the Negro Veterans.

United Negro and Allied Veterans of America (prod).

Parker may not have participated.

 

Ad in New York Age, May 31, 10.

“Be Bop Music to Be Featured at UNAVA’s Town Hall Program,” New York Age, May 31, 11.

Alan Morrison in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 154: It is not perfectly clear if it is the same event he is speaking of. He mentions Gillespie, Bud Powell, Curley Russell, and Max Roach as the members of the backing group. He also states that Parker did not appear because of illness.

 

July early

Charlie Parker

Release of Savoy 652.

10" 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded May 7, 1947.

Charley Parker

Savoy 652-A

Buzzy

Savoy 652-B

Donna Lee

 

“Weekly Review of the New Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 2, 1947, 4D: mentions this record.

 “Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, July 5, 1947, 123.“Record Reviews,” Metronome, August 1947, 32: Buzzy: B (good); Donna Lee: B (good): Critical towards Miles Davis.

July 10

Coleman Hawkins Orchestra

Miles Davis (tp); Coleman Hawkins (ts); Hank Jones? (p); Curly Russell? (b); Max Roach (d).

Three Deuces, New York, NY.

July 10– early August?

Charlie Parker is occasionally sitting in. Parker recruits Miles Davis and Max Roach for his quintet.

 

“Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, July 12, 1947, 6: Three Deuces: Coleman Hawkins. Same in the following period.

Ake Hasselgard, “Jamsession i New York,” Orkester Journalen August 1947, 10.“Be-Bop Bistros Boom on 52nd,“ Billboard, August 2, 1947, 40–41: Review: tells that Hawkins is performing in a quartet format (e.g.,

Miles Davis was out of the band at this point of time).

Phil Schaap, “Bird Flight, Radio WKCR, Columbia University: Davis and Roach were in Hawkins’ band and were recruited by Parker.

 

July 18

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

New Bali, Washington, D. C.

July 18-31.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary, 1996, 29: gives dates and shows ad and notice from unidentified newspaper.

July late

Sarah Vaughan

Release of Musicraft 499.

10" 78 rpm. record.

Charlie Parker appears on Musicraft 499 B, which is a reissue of Musicraft 354 B.

Late July 1947.

 

Recorded July 18, 1946.

Sarah Vaughan with George Treadwell’s Orchestra

Musicraft 499 A

I’m Through with Love

recorded May 11, 1945.

Sarah Vaughan with Dizzy Gillespie and His All Star Quintet

Musicraft 499 B

Lover Man

 

“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, July 12, 1947, 34.

 

August

early

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

Nola Studios, New York, NY.

Rehearsal a week before engagement at the Three Deuces. Parker does not show up. Davis rehearses the band instead.

 

M. Davis & Q. Troupe, Miles (1989), 101: this is wrongly dated April 1947.

August ?

Concert

Including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Max Roach, and Chano Pozo.

Fraternal Clubhouse, New York, NY.

 

Morty Yoss in I. Gitler and R. Sunenblick eds., booklet to Allen Eager in the Land of O.-Bla­-Dee. Uptown UPCD 27.49, 42–43: Yoss tells that the jam session took place after a matinee concert at the Fraternal Clubhouse.

August ?

Private jam session

Charlie Parker (as, ts); Allen Eager (as, ts); Bud Powell (p); Specs Goldberg (b); Max Roach (d); Morty Yoss (d).

Milton Greene’s Studio, New York, NY.

Recordings exist.

Morty Yoss in I. Gitler and R. Sunenblick eds., booklet to Allen Eager in the Land of O.-Bla­-Dee. Uptown UPCD 27.49, 42–43: Yoss tells that the jam session took place after a matinee concert at the Fraternal Clubhouse.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470900

 

August 7

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Duke Jordan (p): Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

Slam Stewart Trio

Beryl Booker? (p); John Collins? (g); Slam Stewart (b).

Three Deuces, New York, NY.

August 7­–September 24.

 

“Slam Stewart and Yardbird Parker Put 52nd Street Back in the Swing Groove,” Chicago Defender, August 16, 1947, 10: Opened last Thursday for a limited run.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, August 13, 1947, 17: Parker at Three Deuces, out August 20.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, August 27, 1947, 17: Parker and Slam Steward at Three Deuces.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, September 10, 1947, 17:  Parker and Slam Steward at Three Deuces.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, September 24, 1947, 17:  Parker and Slam Steward at Three Deuces.

Lennie Tristano in R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1962), 223. Lennie Tristano seems to have been working at the club in this period.

I. Gitler, Jazz Masters of the ’40s (1984), 110:  Describes Powell and Navarro one night at the Three Deuces sitting in with Parker, replacing Duke Jordan and Miles Davis.

 

August 12

Miles Davis All Stars

Charlie Parker (ts); Miles Davis (tp); John Lewis (p); Nelson Boyd (b); Max Roach (d).

Nola Studios, New York, NY.

Rehearsals for Miles Davis’ commercial Savoy recording session.

August 12 and 13.

 

J. Chambers, Milestones vol. 1 (1983), 64.

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 30: Gives dates (no source given).

August 14

Miles Davis All Stars

Charlie Parker (ts); Miles Davis (tp); John Lewis (p); Nelson Boyd (b); Max Roach (d).

Harris Smith Studios, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Savoy

 

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470814

 

August 22

Concert

Including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Max Roach, James Young, Alma Hubbard, and Emerson Yearwood.

Harlem Servicemen’s Center, NYC.

Benefit concert.

 

Handbill in K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 25.

“Bebop Kings Entertain,” New York Amsterdam News, August 30, 19, 1947, 19.

August 29

Charlie Parker Quintet?

Livingston Manor, Brooklyn, New York, NY.

Evening Dance arranged by American Legion, Kings County.

 

Handbill in K. Vail (ed.), Charlie Parker & Jazz Club Memorabilia (2007), 25.

September early

Jazz at the Philharmonic

Release of Clef 100, Norman Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic vol. 6.

3 10 " 78 rpm. records album 

Charlie Parker appears only on 101 and 102.

 

Recorded April 22. 1946.

Jazz at the Philharmonic

Clef 101 A

JATP Blues Part 1

Clef 101 B

JATP Blues Part 2

 

JATP Blues Part 3

Clef 102 B

JATP Blues Part 4

 

Clef 103 A

Slow Drag Part 1

Clef 103 B

Slow Drag Part 2

 

“Music — As Written,” Billboard, August 23, 1947, 42: mentions the release of this album “next week”.

“New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, September 10, 1947, 4F: Favorable review.

“Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Hot Jazz,” Down Beat, October 8, 1947, 15: Rating: 101 and 102: 3 notes (tasty).

 

September 13

Bands for Bonds

Rudi Blesh's All-Star Stompers

Wild Bill Davison (cnt); Jimmy Archey (tb); Edmond Hall (cl); Ralph Sutton (p); Danny Barker (g); Baby Dodds (d).

Barry Ulanov and His All-Star Metronome Jazzmen

Charlie Parker (as); Dizzy Gillespie (tp); John LaPorta (cl); Lennie Tristano (p); Billy Bauer (g); Ray Brown (b); Max Roach (d).

Mutual Studios, New York, NY.

Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) broadcast. 1:30–2 p.m. EST: Bands for Bonds.

Bruce Elliott, Rudi Blesh, and Barry Ulanov (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

“Network Programs,” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY.), September 12, 1947, 13: Saturday, September 13: 1:30–2 p.m.: Mutual: Bands for Bonds.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470913

 

September 20

Bands for Bonds

Rudi Blesh's All-Star Stompers

Wild Bill Davison (cnt); Jimmy Archey (tb); Edmond Hall (cl); Ralph Sutton (p); Danny Barker (g); Baby Dodds (d).

Barry Ulanov and His All-Star Metronome Jazzmen

Barry Ulanov and His All-Star Metronome Jazzmen

Charlie Parker (as); Dizzy Gillespie (tp); John La Porta (cl); Lennie Tristano (p); Billy Bauer (g); Ray Brown (b); Max Roach (d).

Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) broadcast. 1:30–2 p.m. EST: Bands for Bonds.

Carl Caruso, Rudi Blesh, and Barry Ulanov (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

“Network Programs,” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY), September 19, 1947, 13: Saturday, September 20: 1:30–2 p.m.: Mutual: Bands for Bonds.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470920

 

September 25

Charlie Parker Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Charlie Parker (as); Duke Jordan (p): Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

Charlie Ventura Sextet

Three Deuces, NYC.

September 25– late October.

 

“Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, September 20, 1947, 4: Slam Stewart will give way to Charlie Ventura on Thursday September 25.

“Street’s Newest Booking Hassle: Ventura Sextet,” Down Beat, September 24, 1947, 2: ‘Three Deuces and Troubador are fighting over a Ventura engagement.

“3 Deuces Get Ventura Band in 802 Ruling,” Billboard, September 27, 1947, 21: New York September 20–…The Charlie Ventura 52nd Street booking squabble got a Local 802-ing this week and the union decided that the band should play the Three Deuces.

“Goings on About Town,” New Yorker, October 4, 1947, 4: Charlie Ventura Band. Same until October 18.

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, October 8, 1947, 17: Parker and Ventura at Three Deuces.

“Debts Shutter Swing Spot,” Down Beat, October 8, 1947, 3: Charlie Parker and Charlie Ventura at the 3 Deuces.

“Ventura Haunted by Booking and Union Headaches”, Billboard, October 18, 1947, 18: currently playing at the Three Deuces.

 

September late

Dizzy Gillespie

including Charlie Parker

Release of Continental C-60060

10" 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded January 4, 1945.

Dizzy Gillespie with Clyde Hart’s All Stars

Continental C-60060-A

Dream of You

Continental C-60060-B

Ohh! Ohh! My! My! Oh! Oh!

 

"Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz," Billboard, September 20, 1947, 141.

 

September 29

Concert

Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra

Dizzy Gillespie (tp, voc & dir); Dave Burns, Elmon Wright, Matthew McKay, Raymond Orr (tp); Bill Shepard, Joe Taswell Baird [tb); John Brown, Howard Johnson (as); James Moody, Joe Gayles (ts); Cecil Payne (bar); Milt Jackson (vib); John Lewis (p & arr); Al McKibbon (b); Joe Harris (d); Chano Pozo (cng); Lorenzo Salan (bgo); Kenny Hagood (voc); Tadd Dameron, Gil Fuller, George Russell (arr).

Ella Fitzgerald (voc)

Charlie Parker (as)

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY.

8:30 p.m.

Concert recordings exist.

 

K. Vail, Bird’s Diary (1996), 32: Photo of concert-poster: Parker not mentioned.

“Gillespie Gives Concert,” New York Times, September 30, 20: Review.

M. Levin, “Diz, Bird, and Ella Pack Carnegie” Down Beat, October 22, 1947, 1 and 3: Review.

“Barry Ulanov: Dizzy Gillespie,” Metronome, November 1947, 50: Review.

R. Reisner, Bird: The Legend of Charlie Parker (1975), 191: Tells that Parker had to be picked out of the bathtub, put into clothes, and sent in a taxi for the concert.

Ella Fitzgerald on the Air vol. 3, Masters of Jazz MJCD 169

Dizzy Gillespie vol. 10, Masters of Jazz MJCD 179

Dizzy Gillespie vol. 11, Masters of Jazz MJCD 186

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470929

 

October

Jazz at The Philharmonic

Release of Disc Asch 5100.

10" 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded January 28, 1946. 

Jazz at the Philharmonic

5100A

After You’ve Gone part 1

5100B

After You’ve Gone part 2

 

“New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 29, 4D: Kind review.

“Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Hot Jazz,” Down Beat, December 31, 1947, 15: Rating: 3 notes (Tasty)

 

October 19

Concert

Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra

Parker (as)

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA.

 

“Dizzy to Make Tour Abroad,” Down Beat, October 22, 1947, 3.

“Music–As Written, Billboard, October 11, 1947, 22.

October late

Charlie Parker Quintet

Charlie Parker (as); Miles Davis (tp); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

Three Deuces, New York, NY.

Late October–early November.

 

“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, October 22, 15: Parker at the Deuces.

“Swing Alley Staggering in Biz Doldrums,” Billboard, November 1, 1947, 24: …with the Three Deuces standing pat on Charlie Parker’s group after co-star attraction Charlie Ventura closed out…”

“The Swing on Swing Street Is from Be-Bop to Be-Pretty,” Billboard, November 15, 1947, 37: Three Deuces has now Charlie Parker (article dated November 8).

 

October 28

Charlie Parker Quintet

Charlie Parker (as); Miles Davis (tp); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

WOR Studios, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Dial.

 

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=471028

 

 

November 4

 

Charlie Parker Quintet

Charlie Parker (as); Miles Davis (tp); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

WOR Studios, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Dial.

 

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=471104

 

November 8

Bands for Bonds

Barry Ulanov and His All-Star Metronome Jazzmen

Charlie Parker (as); Fats Navarro (tp); John LaPorta (cl); Allen Eager (ts); Lennie Tristano (p); Billy Bauer (g); Tommy Potter (b); Buddy Rich (d); Sarah Vaughan (d).

Bruce Elliott, Barry Ulanov (mc).

Mutual Studios, New York, NY.

Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) broadcast. 1:30—2 p.m. EST: Bands for Bonds.

 

“Network Programs,” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY.), November 7, 1947, 15: Saturday, November 8: 1:30–2 p.m.: Mutual: Bands for Bonds.

https://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=471108

November 11

Charlie Parker Quintet

Charlie Parker (as); Miles Davis (tp); Duke Jordan (p); Tommy Potter (b); Max Roach (d).

Argyle Lounge, Chicago, IL.

November 11-23.

Private lacquer (acetate) recordings exist.

Parker had troubles with the management du