Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2016-01-08
- Album Name: Kindred Spirits (Live)
Song Meaning (Interpretation) of “Yardbird Suite” by Greg Abate
“Yardbird Suite” by Greg Abate is evocative of the classic jazz style of the 1950s, paying tribute to the late saxophonist, Charlie “Bird” Parker. The song has a festive, upbeat rhythm, fueled by a driving swing beat with a traditional brass-heavy sound, reminiscent of a New Orleans marching band. In the instrumental piece, Abate’s sax carries the melody, while the horn section carries out the call-and-response arrangement, prompting the soloist to demonstrate his skill. The thoughtful, melodic solos build in energy before coming back down to the infectious main riff. As the piece progresses, the soloists get more ambitious in their improvisations, but they always return to the familiar melody. The song conveys a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, while celebrating the joys of jazz improvisation.