Charlie Parker and Thematic Improvisation

Earlier studies of Charlie Parker argue that his style is based on an extensive network of melodic formulas that are combined to create solos. Because the same formulas appear throughout his improvisations regardless of the theme, these studies concluded that the solos do not usually relate to the original melodies. In Charlie Parker and Thematic Improvisation, Henry Martin provides a much-needed reassessment by showing that Parker's solos are often related to the original themes in unexpected and sometimes ingenious ways. The conclusion synthesizes features of Parker's style and discusses his contribution in the context of Western music history. This groundbreaking technical study will be of interest to musicologists and serious students of jazz.