[John Purcell is a Boston alto saxophonist, a Founding Member of this Playback, and author of a series of essays on Charlie Parker here. Last time (please see the Index under Miles), John took us through some of the many reasons that we know “Donna Lee” was written by Miles and not by Parker. In fact, subscriber Ron Drotos adds, “in the mid-1980s, Max Roach told me that everyone at the original recording session knew that Miles had written ‘Donna Lee.’” This time, John looks closely at two recordings that influenced Miles’s composition. This is not about Miles “stealing,”
Yes, absolutely. I decided not to go there because it's quite a detour. Most people today don't know that Chicken song, so we'd have to post that too, etc. But you're quite right. THANK YOU LEE
Wow--sounds great--let us know when you post a video. The leadsheet included here is more accurate than some on the web. (Can't recall if anyone's ever done vocalese words to it.) THANK YOU BETH
The pianist on "Tiny's Con" is Gene DiNovi. I had lunch with him earlier this month, in honour of his 96th birthday. His walking pace has slowed down just a touch, but he's still going strong, playing every day.
Wow—that’s amazing! Just yesterday I was listening to an interview he did in I think 1993 with the late Phil Schaap. I’ve also read parts of his memoir. Please say hello. THANK YOU TED
My friend Don used to always talk about Tiny and the tune Tinys Con. Thanks again Lewis.
Great! Yes, it would be unknown except for the connection with Donna Lee. THANKS JAY
Amazing, I hadn’t heard either track before
THANK YOU ETHAN!
The first four bars of Ice Freezes Red are identical to I Get The Neck Of The Chicken, and the rest is very close to it.
Yes, absolutely. I decided not to go there because it's quite a detour. Most people today don't know that Chicken song, so we'd have to post that too, etc. But you're quite right. THANK YOU LEE
I like your musical analysis. It reminds me of Phil Schapp, but yours is 100% about the music, not yourself. Not at all pedantic like him.
THANK YOU DAVID.
Thanks Lewis this is great! I'm woodshedding Donna Lee to sing it... so this is really great info and fascinating! Love the way you write too.
Wow--sounds great--let us know when you post a video. The leadsheet included here is more accurate than some on the web. (Can't recall if anyone's ever done vocalese words to it.) THANK YOU BETH
The pianist on "Tiny's Con" is Gene DiNovi. I had lunch with him earlier this month, in honour of his 96th birthday. His walking pace has slowed down just a touch, but he's still going strong, playing every day.
Wow—that’s amazing! Just yesterday I was listening to an interview he did in I think 1993 with the late Phil Schaap. I’ve also read parts of his memoir. Please say hello. THANK YOU TED