“Au Privave” | Stories of Standards

“Au Privave” was composed and recorded by Charlie Parker in 1951, at the tail end of Parker’s most fruitful recording years. Parker spent 1949 and 1950 in Europe, where he recorded just over half of his surviving work.

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Parker’s command of musical theory is clearly illustrated in the complex chord progression in “Au Privave.” Intermediate chords create movement throughout the song and provide a dynamic playground for improvisation.

The song has roughly twice as many chord changes as a standard jazz progression. And instead of returning to the tonic at the end of the 12-measure progression, “Au Privave” features a turnaround chord.

Parker’s musical education began at a public school in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he played baritone with the school’s symphony band. At the age of 15, Parker left high school to pursue a career as a musician, playing primarily in Kansas City with local blues and jazz groups.

During his late teens, Parker dedicated himself to his musical studies, perfecting his technique and musical theory.

“I put quite a bit of study into the horn, that’s true,” Parker said. “In fact, the neighbors threatened to ask my mother to move once. We were living out West. She said I was driving them crazy with the horn. I used to put in at least 11 to 15 hours a day.”

“Study is absolutely necessary, in all forms,” said Parker of his practice habits. “It’s just like any talent that’s born within somebody, it’s like a good pair of shoes when you put a shine on it, you know, like schooling just brings out the polish.”

Parker believed in the power of study to help any person in any field advance their skills and remained passionate about learning and practice until the end of his life, convinced that, “Schooling is one of the most wonderful things there’s ever been.”