1952 - Bird and Diz

recorded in 1950, released in 1952

WHAT NYMITH SAYS;

Oddly, there's a gap in interesting/important LP releases between 1950 and 1952, so we must forge ahead and let 1951 slide - it appears to have been a year dominated by Bing Crosby, Doris Day and The Ames Brothers. Best to forget all about it.

It had been two years since the problematic Strings production when Charlie Parker set everything to rights by releasing Bird & Diz, a far less famous session with a terrific ensemble: reuniting with Buddy Rich (who went to waste on Strings and doesn't let that happen here), Thelonious Monk at the piano, and Dizzy Gillespie's trumpet sharing the spotlight with Bird's saxophone (Curley Russell provides bass). Just like last time, it's a 10" LP featuring six tracks.

'Bloomdido' starts things out perfectly, announcing that the ensemble cooks, respects melody and keeps it short so you're left hungry for more. Rich contributes a smashingly energetic drum solo. Jazz purists complain of his inclusion, arguing that a swing drummer is "out of place" on a bop record - which just goes to show that jazz purists have no sense of fun.

'My Melancholy Baby' sounds sweet and humorous - it would have been more accurate to title it "For..." since it seems designed to cheer someone up rather than reflect any pensive, disquieted tendencies. This jovial spirit is reflected in all the tracks. As bebop goes, it doesn't get much more user-friendly and accessible than this.

For instance, 'Relaxin' With Lee' does sound exactly like the way jazz men relax. Bird does his thing, followed by Diz doing his thing, then Monk offers a laid-back piano break to which Rich responds in his robustly entertaining manner and the whole band joins in together to cut the song off short at 2:47. Maybe it took incredibly hard work but the result sounds pretty at ease.

The second half of the record continues in much the same vein. It never goes south. An exciting, easygoing performance from a group of jazz greats. You can't ask for more. Happily, even though Bird & Diz is not much talked of, it has been given a CD release with a blitzkrieg of bonus tracks (including eleven takes of 'Leap Frog' for those wanting to make a close study of the Bird/Diz partnership). The extras are for major afficionados but the core CD can definitely be enjoyed by the casual jazz fan. Take note.

WHAT TICHARU SAYS;

Here's a great little record only 10 inches big. If you're in the local record store in 1952 and happen to see this and think "but I don't like modern jazz, it's all sqwack!" go on splash out for this one, it's really great, impress yer friends!

Do you like mad drum solos? "Only if they're well short and physically impossible to play." Far out, Buddy Rich is on this, he's amazing!

Do you like ear bonking piano breaks? "Of course, who doesn't?" Then you're in luck because Thelonious Monk makes playing the piano seem almost FUN!

"Boy, this little 10 inch record is sounding better all the time. What about that saxophone?" The great Charlie Parker noodles away and rarely resorts to sqwack, pleasant in a way, and you know Dizzy Gillespie made some equal and opposite horn-like noises that seemed to compliment what could have been a complete disaster darling. I think you'll really love this record!

Alrighty then!