I’m sitting behind my writing desk in front of a large window with a palm tree that must be at least five stories high, going back and forth in the wind. If the tree ever falls, it would fall toward me and more likely smash the window and kill me. That is my thought as I listen to Charlie Parker’s two albums, Charlie Parker With Strings and Charlie Parker With Strings #2. The thought of dying in such a manner while listening to Bird gives me comfort, where usually I’m feeling anxious about the situation that is taking place in Gaza and the West Bank. As of this writing, 30,000 Palestinians have died, which include adults as well as children. What is shocking is that I’m not surprised to hear this news or the series of incidents happening in that part of the world. After the horrifying attack (and even that wasn’t surprising to me) on Israeli citizens from Hamas, I knew there would be a horrific bloodbath that wouldn’t end. Hereafter, after some months, the situation gets worse. The hesitancy of the United States in not stopping the actions of Israel is equally stressful. One wonders what possibly can turn out positively for not only the Palestinians but even in Israel. There will never be a sense of security in Israel, and there are those within that government who will always want that country to be insecure and traumatized. After 30,000 people were slaughtered, how is it possible that this violence will not end? So yes, the smooth sounds of Parker with strings bring some lightness, but one knows a world without hope is around the corner.
I have heard bad things about these two albums, but I love the hot butter-melting effect of Parker’s playing as it blends into and with the strings that don’t seem to be an odd juxtaposition but a solid piece of work. Parker plays beautifully and elegantly, but one feels (hears) his intelligence, breaking up the melody and putting it back together. I was expecting a strange marriage between the saxophone and string section. Still, it’s an organic relationship where Parker pushes forward and moves like a row boat against the current of the orchestration’s arrangements.
While going into the deep dive of Charlie Parker, I have been reading various books on the master, including The Charlie Parker Companion, which is lovely—critical writings on Parker from his period and various short biographies on the great artist. My two big dives these past twelve months have been Marcel Proust and Parker. I find both of their worlds to be a fascinating visit.
Alphabetical Diaries is my first adventure with Sheila Heti, whose name I have known but never read her other works. This diary came from ten years of journal writing, in which she sorted alphabetically by placing the sentences on a spreadsheet. Her work, in that sense, reminds me of Raymond Queneau and Georges Perec in that it plays with the nature of the text, but her writing is personal since it is a journal. So it is not only how the text is placed but how well read it is. The repetition of some of the wording is hypnotic, and it is also a very sexy read. Reading Alphabetical Diaries and material on Charlie Parker is the perfect combination for me. Although it is only a series of moments, it does take me to another place beyond the terrible reality of Palestine's misery, which will stain our consciousness forever.
Thanks for expressing pretty much how I feel about this debacle in the Middle East. Beckett comes to mind: No more words nothing to do keep going keep going on call this going call this going call this on.
And yes, I’ve always loved Parker with strings. I believe they have more relevance now than when they were recorded. In those days it was somehow in jazz like to use strings in this fashion. The story goes that he didn’t attend rehearsals just came to the recording session and played so beautifully what we now have for posterity.
Also, thanks for the tip about shiela Heti. You’re my go to guy for interesting literature.
Thank you for articulating how the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza and the West Bank is a disaster for Israel as well as for the Palestinians. This is undeniable and yes, hope seems out of reach. Anyone who feels powerless should donate whatever they can to Doctors Without Borders or UNWRA. Free Palestine.