Allen Eager Part Two - Bird On The Air (1944-1945)

Allen Eager was born on January 10th, 1927 and died on April 13, 2003. He was a jazz saxophonist who started playing professionally at age 15. He later worked as a ski instructor, race car driver, and participated in drug experiments with Timothy Leary. Jack Kerouac wrote about him in his novel The Subterraneans.On our previous podcast we listened to 1982’s Renaissance, which marked Eager’s return to the recording studio. On our current podcast we’re listening to Allen Eager in his early years. The LP Bird On The Air chronicles two radio programs broadcast in 1944 and 1945, both led by legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. The first side features Charlie Parker, saxophonist “Downbeat” Willie Smith, saxophonist Benny Carter, drummer Buddy Rich, and the Nat King Cole Trio. Side Two features Parker and Allen Eager with clarinetist John LaPorta, guitarist Billie Bauer, pianist Lennie Tristano, bass player Tommy Potter, and Buddy Rich. Trumpeter Fats Navarro also makes an appearance on the song “Koko”, although he isn’t credited on the album.In this substack podcast I listen to albums from the record collection of my father, the late jazz bassist Charlie Haden. If you like what you hear, please consider subscribing. I’m writing a book of Memoires about life, death, jazz, slowcore, and survival. The address is joshhaden.substack.com.Also, consider visiting the website of my band, Spain. We’re in the midst of recording a new studio album. Subscribers can listen to rough mixes of brand new songs as we record them, and other exclusive tracks. The address is spaintheband.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joshhaden.substack.com/subscribe