Charlie Parker free essay sample

A discussion of the life and works of Jazz musician Charlie Parker and the influence he had in the field. This paper sheds light on important aspects of Charlie Parkers life and times. It introduces a jazz musician who completely transformed this type of music through his talent, originality and improvisation skills. The paper discusses the changes that he brought into jazz styles and also focuses on Parkers influence on society and economy of his days. For this reason, many magazine articles and few books were consulted and research in this paper is appropriately supported by expert views and comments. Charlie Parkers name is synonymous with innovation in jazz music. This is because in his short life of 34 years, the man was able to transform the world of music by introducing new and better tunes and jazz styles that made him immortal. Charlie Parker was born in 1920 in Kansas City but later moved to New York where he found a more intelligent audience that appreciated his alto sax tunes and helped him in discovering new techniques including the famous Bebop. Because he never had lessons or formal training, he often struggled playing music. Eventually, with proper training and practice Charlie mastered the basics.He memorized the records made by the tenor saxophonist Lester Young, until he could play them all from memory. Charlie practiced up to 14 hours a day until he could play anything he wanted. Unlike other gig school kids, Charlie spent his days practicing his sax and preparing for his performances with swing bands. At night, he would often visit Kansas Citys Jazz clubs to see famous performers. He was passionate about music as a young man. Charlie moved to New York City after a short stay In Chicago.He found work playing in swing bands but started experimenting with his own style of playing. Late at night, he would gather with other musicians who wanted to play fast-paced, fiery music. This Jazz style would later become known as bebop. At first many of the older Jazz artists and fans did not like bebop. The unpredictable beats and lengthy improvisations were not Like the smoother rhythms of swing music. For swing fans, jazz was music for dancing. Unlike swing, bebop was powerful music for listening.Charlie was the genius behind bebop. The exciting pace and expressive solos of bebop won over the musical community. Other Jazz musicians desired to play Like Charlie. Luckily, he made many great recordings, and even played with a large group of violins, violas and cellos. To this day, much of Jazzs language comes from what Charlie Parker played. Unfortunately, Charlie started using drugs and alcohol as a manager In Kansas City and became addicted as an adult. HIS long time use of alcohol and heroin took over his life.Sadly, Charlie died when he was Just 34 years old, a time when many artists are In their peak years. Charlie Parker By Walter Charlie moved to New York City after a short stay in Chicago. He found work playing improvisations were not like the smoother rhythms of swing music. For swing fans, bebop won over the musical community. Other Jazz musicians desired to play like teenager in Kansas City and became addicted as an adult. His long time use of old, a time when many artists are in their peak years.