Parker’s Planet 1: Yardbird in the Space Age

Celebrating the 98th birthday of Charlie “Yardbird” Parker. A totally new, inspirational way of thinking—a fresh, freedom-loving and articulate voice, as diaphanous as mist and as hard as nails—came shimmering up the river from twilit New Orleans.

This music infused, bio-hipped celebration of Charlie Parker features Chuck Haddix (author, Bird: The Life and Music of Charlie Parker), Margaret LaPique (LA jazz radio host), Jeff Harshbarger (jazz bassist extraordinaire), Joey Skidmore (director Kiki meets the Vampires), Dick Wright (late KU jazz educator), Rhondda Francis (singer Psychowelders) and Rodney Franks (Denver jazz radio host). Written by Jay Mandeville and produced by Dwight Frizzell with rare recordings from the Marr Sound Archives.


Share This Episode