"Barbados" is a jazz composition by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (1920–1955), written in 1948. Among Parker's many blues heads, this tune stands out for its sunny, Caribbean-tinged character—a refreshing departure from the intensity of much of Bird's output.
The piece is a 12-bar blues distinguished by its calypso or mambo rhythmic feel, which gives the melody a lilting, dance-like quality unusual in the bebop repertoire. The head is more lyrical than many of Parker's other blues compositions, featuring a memorable phrase in the second bar where the melody moves from the ♭9 to the 13th over the dominant chord—a distinctive harmonic color that recurs near the end of the form. The contrast between the Latin groove of the theme and the swinging improvisation sections makes it an engaging tune for both players and listeners.
Parker first recorded "Barbados" on September 18, 1948, with a stellar quintet: Miles Davis (trumpet), John Lewis (piano), Curly Russell (bass), and Max Roach (drums).
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