Norman Granz presents film: “IMPROVISATION” with unique Charlie Parker / Coleman Hawkins duet

Gjon Mili shooting Improvisation (Google / LIFE Images)

In 1950 Norman Granz started to produce a new short film with photographer Gjon Mili as sequel to their earlier film “Jammin’ The Blues“. It was only released in 1996 as part of a film called “Improvisation”  which included a compilation of performances of Granz’ musicians over the 1950 – 1970 timeframe. Several parts of this film are on You Tube available (at least until the day of writing this blogpost).

Credits.

Part 1 – introduction by Norman Granz introducing Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins playing for the first time together, performing a duet on “Ballade”, an improvisation to “As Long As I Live”.

Part 2 -Starring Charlie Parker and Buddy Rich. The world greatest drummer plays a magnificent solo but his play-back technique needed some slight improvement………

Part 3 – Announced by Norman Granz, this part of the film is about a piece performed by the rythm section with Hank Jones (piano), Ray Brown (bass) and Buddy Rich on drums.

Part 4 – And now Lester Young and Bill Harris join……………

Part  5 – And Now Harry Sweets Edison, Flip Philips and Ella Fitzgerald join………………..

Part 6 – Duke Ellington improvising in the Cote d’Azur with John Lamb and Sam Woodyard.

 Part 7 – Count Basie Jam in Montreux with Ray Brown (double bass)  and Jummy Smith (drums)

Part 8 – Count Basie Jam: Benny Carter, Zoot Zims, Roy Eldridge, Vick Dickenson, Al Grey join !

Part 9 – Count Basie Jam: Ballad time, Benny Carter plays “These Foolish Things”.

Part 10 – Joe Pass improvises on “Ain’t Misbehaving” and “Prelude To A Kiss” – Solo !

Part 11 – Ella Fitzgerald: “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” and “I Got It Bad (and that ain’t good)

Part 12 – Oscar Peterson Jam – “Ali vs. Frazer” or better Terry versus Gillespie.

Source: Hershorn, Ted  - Norman Granz – The Man Who Used Jazz for Justice – University of California Press 2011 – ISBN 978-0-520-26782-4