Chasin' the Bird

By Dave Chisholm with Peter Markowski. Published by Z2 Comics. 

Hardcover, 144 pages, Colour, 2020. 

The Estate of Charlie Parker and Z2 Comics have teamed up to bring you Chasin' The Bird - Charlie Parker in California.

Chasin’ The Bird tells the story of Charlie Parker’s time in L.A.

 December 1945 began a tumultuous two year-stint for Bird bumming around L.A., showing up at jam sessions, crashing on people’s couches, causing havoc in public places, and recording some of his most groundbreaking tracks. 

The graphic novel explores Bird’s relationship with the characters and events he encountered during his time in L.A. including recording some of his signature songs with Dial Record founder Ross Russell, a brief but influential stay at the home of famed jazz photographer William Claxton, a party for the ages at the ranch home of artist Jirayr Zorthian, and others who found themselves in the orbit of the jazz genius. Named after Charlie Parker’s 1947 standard, Chasin’ the Bird adapts one of the sunnier, but darker chapters in the life of Bird, beautifully written and illustrated by Dave Chisholm. Foreword by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.