Fantastic stuff! Whenever I hear Jimmy speak he's always sharp and on point - just like the way he plays his guitar. Great insights from both men on one of if not THE finest horn player that ever lived.
It is so great to hear Jimmy and Jamey talk period. And about Charlie Parker who was a real genius, even better. I miss Jimmy so much. He was a big part of our lives at one time. I know he and my Jim met up in heaven. How are you Jon?
The late Stanley Crouch's "Kansas City Lightning," which is the first volume of a projected two volume biography, describes at some length how Parker studied and practiced as a young man. It provides a great deal of information about his early development. Bird was also a person who read a great deal and had many interests.
Charlie himself said from the time he was 15 yrs.old until 19 yrs old. He practiced 11 to 15 hours a day. Neighbors told his mother to move! But Charlie said this is a fact.
He asked the big question here...how did Parker go from getting laughed off the stage to being Charlie Parker in such a small amount of time? He knew Bird...damn....why didnt he ask him that???
