Yardbird Suite

Lawrence O. Koch examines the life and work of jazz musician Charlie Parker, pairing his recordings with the dates they were made. The book includes more than 200 musical examples and follows Parker's career in chronological order, moving from his early years in Kansas City to his early death. Biographical passages are woven together with analysis of the music, so readers can hear the story alongside the notes.

The volume also reprints the widely cited article "Ornithology," first published in the Journal of Jazz Studies, which takes a close look at Parker's compositions and playing. Together, the biography and the musical study give readers a detailed view of one of jazz's most influential figures.