Anthropology (composition)

Anthropology is a jazz composition by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Joe Bishop from 1946.

The jazz theme Anthropology with 32 bars, AABA form, based on the harmonic basis of the jazz standards I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin. The melody predominantly built on eighth notes is usually recited in unison and played mostly in the up tempo.

The composition was early to the classical repertoire of bebop and was recorded over seven times alone by Parker from 1946 to 1951. Dizzy Gillespie played the piece three times.

Anthropology was also recorded by Don Byas, Tadd Dameron, Barry Harris, Peter Herbolzheimer, Clifford Jordan, Paul Kuhn, Brad Mehldau, James Moody, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Ira Sullivan, Lucky Thompson and Claude Thornhill.