Leo Parker

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Leo Parker, New York City, circa 1947. Photograph by William P. Gottlieb

Leo Parker (born April 18, 1925 in Washington, DC , † February 11, 1962 in New York City , New York) was an American jazz saxophonist .

life and work

Parker began his musical career on the alto saxophone and made some studio recordings with Coleman Hawkins . Parker moved in 1944 to the baritone saxophone when he with the bebop oriented big band of Billy Eckstine toured, Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra . The next year he was a member of the so-called "Unholy Four". The other members of the saxophone set were Dexter Gordon , Sonny Stitt, and Gene Ammons , but on a few occasions Eckstine hired namesake Charlie Parker , who was probably the greatest influence on Leo Parker. Leo Parker transferred the bebop phrasing to the baritone saxophone and thus established the instrument in modern jazz .

After leaving Eckstine, Leo Parker played in New York with Dizzy Gillespie and Fats Navarro before playing with Illinois Jacquets Popular Band . In a recording session with Sir Charles Thompson he played the track Mad Lad , which then became his nickname.

In addition to other studio recordings with Gordon, he played with Stitt, Ammons, Teddy Edwards , Wardell Gray and others. Parker's career came to an end quite quickly: as early as 1947, his drug addiction was seriously affecting his health. He also played occasionally in the 1950s, recorded a single for United and was occasionally involved in recordings such as with Bill Jennings , on which he was mostly far from his possibilities. In 1961 he made a comeback and made two records for Blue Note Records , but died in 1962 of heart failure.

Discography

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Parker, Leo
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American jazz saxophonist
DATE OF BIRTH April 18, 1925
PLACE OF BIRTH Washington, DC
DATE OF DEATH February 11, 1962
Place of death New York City , New York