Charlie Parker On Dial

3 May 2014

Charlie Parker On Dial

Written and arranged by Alex Webb

Charlie Parker On Dial focuses on just two years of Bird’s hectic life – the period he recorded with Ross Russell’s Dial label, producing classics such as Ornithology, Night in Tunisia, Relaxin’ at Camarillo, Scrapple from the Apple and Klacto-veeseds-tene.

With a narration by Alex Webb, Charlie Parker On Dial tells the story of those tumultuous times and brings the music to life again, in the hands of some of the UK’s finest young jazz musicians.

The musicians: Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Jo Caleb (guitar), Moses Boyd (drums), Freddie Gavita (trumpet), Alex Webb (piano), Neil Charles (bass) and special guest Vimala Rowe (vocals).

‘A tightly focused consideration of a key period in Parker’s recording career, taking us session by session through his years (1946-47) with Ross Russell’s Dial label. If Bird couldn’t make it, altoist Nathaniel Facey seemed like the next best thing, handling these time-honoured, zippy ensemble parts with aplomb and then embarking on his own variations rather than attempting any replications of Parker’s original solos … Good script, good concept, fantastic music.’ From ‘London Jazz News’ review of Charlie Parker On Dial at the London Jazz Festival, November 2013.

‘The two hour show felt like 10 minutes … The arrangements were not transcripts from the original sessions, but Webb’s were close interpretations that allowed the instrumentalist range to explore the original, yet stay true to the event … An event like this is rarely heard in London and perhaps, as we are just short of the 70th anniversary of Charlie Parker’s demise, these musicians could perhaps be persuaded to regroup again next year and allow us Ornithologists a chance to experience this gem again.’ From Birdlives.co.uk review of Charlie Parker On Dial at the London Jazz Festival, November 2013.

Charlie Parker Image Credit: Ross Russell Collection

3 May 2014

Performance Times:

Approximate running time: 2 hours including interval

IMPORTANT SHOW INFORMATION

Seating is UN-RESERVED in the Studio for this performance.
All tickets will have a seat apart from the standing tickets.
When purchasing Studio Standard and Studio Gallery seats, please note that you may have to share a table with other patrons who are not from your party.

Ticket Prices:

On the door: All tickets £17.50

Concessions & Access Bookings

There are no concessions available on Studio Performances. If you have any Access Requirements then please contact the Box Office on 0844 264 2140.