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Hank O'Neal > Esther Bubley Charlie Parker
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This book is the ultimate Charlie Parker photo essay, and for years no one, including the producer of the
recording session, knew these outstanding pictures existed. Now, the book and pictures are available
in French (the pictures, of course are universal).
Through a Jazzspot Exclusive, we are pleased to offer the book and its English translation (thanks to the
kindness of Hank O'Neal) for a limited time at a price of $100 plus shipping. This book is a must for anyone
who loves jazz or Charlie Parker, and features timeless pictures of Bird, Benny Carter, Ben Webster, Flip Philips,
Johnny Hodges, Charlie Shavers, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Barney Kessel and J.C. Heard.
While the Jam Session recording that was the reason for the photos has been referred to for years as a "Charlie Parker
Jam Session", this collection of 50-year-old images exhibits the collaboration and contributions from all the musicians
present. With photos never before available, this book is an unearthed jazz treasure. I'll refund your money upon return
of the book within 10 days if the book does not meet your expectations. It exceeded mine. As an added feature, Hank O'Neal
will sign copies - please allow an additional 4 - 6 weeks and add $25 plus shipping to the price.)
Please contact Jazzspot for more information .
In an short excerpt from Norman Granz' Forward to Charlie Parker by Esther Bubley and Hank O'Neal, here is
what Mr. Granz remembers...
For years I had tried to get the three great alto saxophone stylists together, but the logistics
defeated me, because all three were constantly working and traveling, but finally all three were
doing gigs in Los Angeles at the same time and I was able to set the sessions. I needed a great rhythm
section to satisfy the totally different demands of these soloists. Again, I was lucky. Oscar Peterson,
piano, Ray Brown, bass, and Barney Kessel, guitar, were in Los Angeles working and I brought out drummer
J.C. Heard to complete the section. Also I added two great tenor men, Ben Webster and Flip Phillips and
Charlie Shavers on trumpet. Having accomplished the record date, imagine my chagrin afterward to discover
I had completely forgotten to have a photographer cover this historic event.
Forty, yes, forty years later I received a letter from Hank O'Neal telling me that in fact there had been
a photographer at this session - Esther Bubley. It seems my art director, David Stone Martin, without telling
me (or if he did, I forgot) had engaged Esther to cover the sessions and what great shots there were!
- especially the contrast of the reactions as they listened to each other.
Whoever reads this foreword, take my word for it, if you are into jazz seriously, take a long look at the
pictures, close your eyes, and listen to the music. - Norman Granz
The book also details the story of how Hank O'Neal, by incredible luck, happened to see one of the photographs
in an auction, and decided he would track down the photographer, Esther Bubley. The rest is documented here,
including comments by all of the musicians still surviving when the book was published in 1995.
View other Hank O'Neal Books
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