..:|:Bird Up:|:..

"Before Bird passed in 1955, practically every player in jazz was, in some way or another, emulating his artistry. Still to this day, jazz musicians the world over hitch ride upon ride on Bird's creative coattails like some many-headed high horse of traditionalism gone far astray from its source by way of simply staying too close to home. Charlie Parker would not like what jazz has become: a shell of its former self; not much more than an apelike imitation of its bygone glory days; a bunch of recycled aluminum cans that used to be the brightest star in the night sky. That star was Bird - the original punk rocker; the original hip hopper; the original American Idol (or mine, at least). In all the years since Bird's passing, I hadn't ever heard a fitting tribute to the man more responsible than anyone else for what went on to become not only contemporary jazz, but rock and roll, hip hop and every other important musical movement this side of the 50's... until now. Bird Up - The Charlie Parker Remix Project is precisely that fitting tribute. If you believe in the raw genius that Bird brought to the table first, or even if you're intrigued by it and want to know more, then, along with some of Bird's original masterpieces (preferably those recorded in the mid to late 40's), run out and get your hands on a copy of this record. Bird's rebellious spirit lives in it. Unlike your typical jazz musician's paltry efforts to mimic Bird's stylings, this group of young musical mavericks have constructed a provocative, youthful, deeply loving eulogy which sings Charlie Parker's praises all the way up to the high heavens - straight to the source."

~Customer Review [Amazon.com]

Various Artists - Bird Up: The Charlie Parker Remix Project [2003]

CD 1 - The Originals

1. Now's the Time
2. Relaxin' at Camarillo
3. Salt Peanuts
4. Bird of Paradise

5. BeBop
6. Steeplechase
7. Cheers
8. A Night in Tunisia
9. Perhaps
10. Barbados
11. Constellation

CD 2 - The Remixes

1. Now's the Time (No Time Like Now) - Deke Damascus
2. Relaxin' at Camarillo - Me'Shell NdegeOcello
3. Salt Peanuts (The Peanute Chronicles) - Kronos Quartet/Dr. John/Mocean Worker
4. Bird of Paradise - Serj Tankian
5. Congo Blues (Silencer) - Donk/Ravi Coltrane/Wild Children/Hubert Laws/Kodo
6. BeBop (Live at the Rooftop) - RZA/ZigZagZig
7. Steeplechase (Sittin' on 22's) - Dan The Automator
8. Cheers (X-Ecutioners Style) - The X-Ecutioners
9. Night in Tunisia, A - Coconut Tree/Kodo
10. All the Shadows of Nuff - Garth Hudson/The Band/Mocean Worker
11. Perhaps (Someday the Roof Will Get Fixed) - Dan The Automator
12. Barbados (Where Fish Fly) - Hubert Laws/Redback
13. Constellation (Heavenly Bodies) - Stephanie Vezina