1950 - Charlie Parker With Strings

WHAT NYMITH SAYS

Hot on the heels of my bitter complaints about the string section crimping the style of Yma Sumac's Voice of the Xtabay comes the loud and proud title Charlie Parker with Strings - as if the strings were a bonus. Jazz purists have always hated this album. "Bird sells out." More liberal-minded listeners have defended and cherished it. "Bird is always good, Bird knew what he was doing, Bird wanted to make this record." In theory, strings and jazz are perfect bedfellows (jazz violinists are dear to my heart). However, these are Hollywood strings we speak of...

Charlie Parker with Strings was something of a double album, two 10" LPs released in 1950. The first one was recorded in 1949 and after its success, a second with the same title was quickly created. I have only heard number one, and doubt I'll check out the other. It's not particularly interesting. What you get is a group of fine jazz musicians playing over syrup. I'm not a jazz purist - I wouldn't care if they'd had crumhorns and tambourine at the session (that might have been interesting), but not this. To hear Charlie Parker bopping away on top of very smooth, fashionable arrangements is just pointless. Buddy Rich was at the sessions, but he didn't get to contribute any wildman drum solos either. Everyone acquits themselves well, but it just feels like a waste all around. At the end of the day, you could have listened to a really hot jazz record, or a genuinely suave big band (with singer) instead of this uninteresting mishmash.

I will say 'Summertime' is good, but then it's the sort of song that's all but impossible to ruin. There's nothing offensive about any of the six songs, it's just kind of mediocre. The best thing you could do here is light some candles, get your partner and practice slow dancing. It has a good atmosphere for that sort of thing and slow dancing must have been a fad in the fifties because these recordings were Parker's most popular sellers during his lifetime. Moving along...

WHAT TICHARU SAYS

A much loved record by many... I wouldn't rubbish it, it's quite pleasant and romantic at points. A jazz rhythm section with strings and Charlie Parker over the top of it. Shouldn't work really... like I said, a lot of people really loved it.

The oboe and piano add some much needed variety to the sound. It's a really sweet record, Charlie is a great player, with cocktails on a Saturday night this might be just the thing.

Slow down, let it happen, you might love it!