The graphic novel tells the story of Bird's time in L.A. starting in
December 1945, where Bird and Dizzy Gillespie brought frenetic sounds of
bebop from the East Coast jazz underground to the West Coast for a
two-month residency at Billy Berg's Hollywood jazz club. This marked the
beginning of a tumultuous two year-stint for Bird bumming around L.A.,
showing up at jam sessions, crashing on people's couches, causing havoc
in public places, and recording some of his most groundbreaking tracks,
"A Night in Tunisia" and "Ornithology," as well as "Relaxin' At
Camarillo," inspired by the end of his time in SoCal at the Camarillo
State Hospital. The novel explores Bird's relationship with the
characters and events he encountered during his time in L.A. including
recording some of his signature songs with Dial Record founder Ross
Russell, a brief but influential stay at the home of famed jazz
photographer William Claxton, a party for the ages at the ranch home of
artist Jirayr Zorthian, and others who found themselves in the orbit of
the jazz genius. Chasin' the Bird is named for Charlie Parker's 1947
standard, and adapts one of the sunnier, but darker chapters in the life
of Bird, beautifully told by Dave Chisholm The book will include an
exclusive flexi disc record featuring a recording from Parker's time in
Los Angeles. The deluxe limited edition will include a vinyl 45 with two
tracks to be announced ahead of release. In conjunction with the graphic
novel, Verve Records/UMe are currently working on a new album spanning
Bird's L.A. period that will be released in September as well.
