Whenever I hear this song one word comes to mind right away and that word is "sassy". This song has a sassiness and a swagger to it that only an artist like Charlie Parker could provide. One of the brightest stars in the jazz night sky Charlie "Bird" Parker was one of the most amazingly talented and troubled souls to ever play. Often high, Bird used to proclaim he played better when he wasn't sober and if that was indeed the case then he was stoned out of his mind on this tune entitled "Parkers Mood".
The song kicks in with Birds tenor sax burning while the piano cooly plays underneath those wailing notes. Birds horn much like his personality dominates this track and it's almost like the other instruments aren't even playing. The piano solo comes in at the perfect time giving the listener a slight respite from that mean ass sax. The contrast between Birds wailing away and the subtle cool of the keys gives this song some serious depth.
This tune simmers and Charlie Parker's genius is so easily identifiable on this one song that it makes you wonder had he lived past 34 where he could have taken jazz. Much like Jimi Hendrix, Charlie "Bird" Parker Jr. died way too young but thankfully he's left us quite a cache of brilliant and amazing songs much like this one, this one which just so happens to be my favorite Bird tune. Enjoy!
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