December 1945: Charlie Parker had just recorded one of the most important sessions of his career the month before in New York City – where he recorded the seminal “Ko Ko”, “Now’s The Time”, and “Billie’s Bounce” for Savoy.
He was in Los Angeles for an engagement at a club there and in December, he recorded this session with guitarist Slim Gaillard (of “Slim and Slam” fame).
“Flat Foot Floogie” was a big hit for Gaillard in 1938 when it was originally released – it peaked at number two on the Billboard charts. Many jazz artists covered the tune that year, including Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and even Django Reinhardt. So by the time of this recording, it was a bit of an oldie.
An interesting session with bebop heavyweights Bird and Diz playing a comedic novelty tune from the 30s. The solos are down to earth, complementing the tune and giving the listener a slight sense of their bop sensibilities without imposing outright.
While December 29 is sometimes given as the date for this session, Peter Losin places the date at December 17 due to some studio banter recorded at the session.
Recorded at Electro-Vox Recording Studios in Hollywood, California on December 17, 1945.
Released as Bel-tone BT 758
Credits:
Bulee “Slim” Gaillard – guitar, vocals, director
Charlie Parker – alto sax
John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie – trumpet
Jack McVea – tenor sax
Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa – piano
Tiny “Bam” Brown – bass
Arthur “Zutty” Singleton – drums
