Jazz Standards 101
Confirmation by Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation” was first performed in Billy Berg’s jazz club in 1945 and went on to be recorded in a studio in July 1953. However, there was a live performance that was recorded in 1946 that featured Dizzy Gillespie, but Parker wasn’t present for the recording. It’s believed that Parker composed “Confirmation” during his time in Jay McShann’s band. Since its initial release, the composition has become a favourite amongst jazz musicians and fans alike. “Confirmation” is a 32-bar standard that fits under Jazz Bebop. The form of this piece is written in an AABA structure. It is filled with ii-V walk-downs and has off-beat accents, syncopation, and the frequent use of chromatic passing tones, while the melody spans a wide range. These are all classic elements of typical jazz bebop themes.