A Smooth Highlight ~ (D' Angelo)
Michael Eugene Archer, better known by his stage name D'Angelo, was an American R&B musician. Widely regarded as one of the most definitive neo-soul acts, Billboard named him one of the greatest R&B artists, while Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 75th on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Well my guy, D' Angelo, left us this October. He brought us some really great tracks. Like Cruisin', Lady, Untitled [How Does It Feel] & Brown Sugar.
D' Angelo added to the soul of our musical fabric. His groove was distinct and a joy to experience. Glad they captured his thing, because to see him live was a true treat. Rest Well!
A Smooth Focus ~ (Charlie Parker)
Charles Parker Jr., nicknamed "Bird" or "Yardbird", was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer. Parker was a highly influential soloist and leading figure in the development of bebop, a form of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique, and advanced harmonies. He was a virtuoso and introduced revolutionary rhythmic and harmonic ideas into jazz, including rapid passing chords, new variants of altered chords, and chord substitutions. Parker primarily played the alto saxophone.
In late 1936, Parker and a Kansas City band traveled to the Ozarks for the opening of Musser's Resort south of Eldon, Missouri. Along the way, the caravan of musicians had a car accident and Parker broke three ribs and fractured his spine. Despite this near-death experience, in 1937 Parker returned to the area, where he spent a great deal of time woodshedding and developing his sound. Working with a pianist and guitarist, he practiced improvising over chord changes and began to develop the ability to solo fluently across chords and scales.