Charlie Parker and Buddy Rich Rare Video

Back in high school, I remember reading a terrific book called Bird lives by Ross Russell.  You can probably pick up that book at your local library, or you can get it at amazon cheap at the link below.  It is a fascinating looking into the short life of Charlie Parker.  Not only the playing but also the jazz lifestyle which was pretty much "do everything in excess".

Below is rare video footage of Charlie Parker in action.  There are a few things that struck me when I watched this video. The first, it is how relaxed and how easy Charlie makes it seem.  Watch any genius at work and they always make it look easy I guess.  This was filmed 55 years ago and the playing still sounds fresh.  Notice how Charlie enjoys Buddy Rich's solo too.  Charlie 29 or 30 years old at the time of this video.  I have often thought what it must have been like to be a player in the 1940s and hearing Charlie Parker for the first time.  Hope you enjoy this one!