Birdland (composition)

March 1977

Birdland is an instrumental composition by Joe Zawinul, which was first released in 1977 on the Weather Report album " Heavy Weather ".

History

The fusion jazz tune reached an unusual commercial success; it has also become a big band standard.

The catchy, but difficult -to-play composition Award three versions of Weather Report, Manhattan Transfer (extensions, 1980) and Quincy Jones (Back on the Block, 1989), each with a Grammy. In particular, the version of Manhattan Transfer is through their vocalese style very well known (Text by Jon Hendricks ).

The title of the song is a tribute to the New York jazz club Birdland in 52nd Street in Manhattan and the nickname of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker ( "Bird" ). Zawinul had frequently visited the club as a young musician and learned here met his future wife.

• Fusion
• Song 1977
• Jazz Title