‘Chasin The Bird’ Chronicles Charlie Parker’s Life In California

Z2 Comics has teamed up with the Charlie “Bird” Parker Estate to announce Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in California, an original graphic novel from Dave Chisholm. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the jazz icon’s birth, the comic will explore one of the sunnier, but darker chapters in Parker’s life.

Colored by Peter Markowski, the book tells the story of Bird’s time in L.A. Starting in December 1945 where he and Dizzy Gillespie brought frenetic sounds of bebop from the East Coast jazz underground to the West Coast for a two-month residency at Billy Berg’s Hollywood jazz club. This was the beginning of a tumultuous two year stint for Parker bumming around the city, showing up at jam sessions, crashing on people’s couches, causing havoc in public places, and recording some of his most groundbreaking tracks like “A Night in Tunisia” and “Ornithology,” not to mention “Relaxin’ At Camarillo” which was inspired by the end of his time in SoCal at the Camarillo State Hospital.
Chasin’ the Bird also explores Parker’s relationship with the characters and events he encountered during his time in Los Angeles like recording some of his signature songs with Dial Record founder Ross Russell, the brief, but influential stay at the home of famed jazz photographer William Claxton, a party for the ages at artist Jirayr Zorthian’s ranch home, and others who ended up in the jazz genius’ orbit.
Z2 publisher Josh Frankel says:

Charlie Parker is one of the most well-known figures in jazz, and to publish a chapter of his tragically short life story in comics is an honor. Jazz has always been a perfect complement to comic books, and certainly an inspiration to some of our greats as well. Robert Crumb would be proud.

Chasin’ the Bird is named after Charlie Parker’s 1947 standard. Scheduled for release in September, it will include an exclusive flexi disc record featuring a recording from Parker’s time in LA. The deluxe limited edition will include a vinyl 45 with two tracks that have not yet been announced. In conjunction with the graphic novel, Verve Records / Ume are currently working on a new album spanning Parker’s time in SoCal that will also be released in September.
Dave Chisholm added:

I am so thrilled and incredibly honored to have gotten the opportunity to write and draw Chasin’ the Bird. My creative and professional life has basically consisted of a steady ping-pong between two obsessions of mine: music and comics. Needless to say, I’ve had the time of my life writing and drawing this book which has turned into an incredibly personal and meaningful project. I am beyond excited to share this with the world and help spread the word about Bird’s wonderful music.

Chasin’ the Bird is currently available for pre-order from Z2’s website.