Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Bird, Bean & Prez (1950)

This is one of two surviving sound films of Charlie Parker playing (and certainly the longest; the other is only 52 seconds long). Until recently, this film was a rumor, and only still photos of it existed.

Watch Bird's amused expression as he watches Hawkins solo, and also how he cuts off the older Tenor man's solo. Although the musicians are filmed playing against tracks recorded earlier, it's still a fascinating 
and rare look at Bird on film


.

1. Ballad (Hawkins, Bird, Jones, Brown, Rich)

2. Celebrity (Bird, Jones, Brown, Rich)

Personnel:
Charlie Parker (as)
Coleman Hawkins (ts)
Hank Jones (p)
Ray Brown (b)
Buddy Rich (d)

1. Ad Lib: Hank Jones (p), Ray Brown (b), Buddy Rich (d)

2. Pennies From Heaven (unrecognizable): Bill Harris (tb), Lester Young (ts), Jones (p), Brown (b), Rich (d)

3. Blues For Greasy: Same as 2, with Harry Edison (t), Flip Phillips (ts), Ella Fitzgerald (v)