Navarro was born in Key West, Florida, to Cuban-Black-Chinese parentage. He began playing piano at age six, but did not become serious about music until he began playing trumpet at age thirteen. By the time he graduated high school he wanted out of Key West and joined a dance band headed for the midwest.
After touring with many bands and gaining valuable experience, and tiring of the road life, Navarro settled in New York City in 1946, where his playing really took off. He met and played with, among others, Charlie Parker, one of the greatest musical innovators of modern jazz improvisation. He also developed a heroin addiction, which, coupled with tuberculosis led to a slow decline in his health and death at the age of twenty six.
Among others, Fats Navarro played in the Andy Kirk, Billy Eckstine, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton big bands, and participated in small group recording sessions with Kenny Clarke, Tadd Dameron, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Howard McGhee, and Bud Powell.
The Chase
Fats Navarro Lyrics
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"The Chase" is a fast-paced, bebop jazz instrumental written by Fats Navarro in 1947. The song is known for its virtuosic trumpet solos and complex harmonic structure, which constantly shifts between different key centers and time signatures. The title of the song is evocative of its frenzied energy and relentless drive, as if the musicians are in pursuit of something elusive and elusive.
Navarro's trumpet playing on "The Chase" is particularly noteworthy, as he navigates the song's intricate melodies and lightning-fast runs with precision and grace. The tune also showcases the talents of other bebop legends, such as tenor saxophonist Charlie Parker and pianist Bud Powell, who each contribute their own unique stylings to the piece. Despite its technical complexity, "The Chase" manages to capture the sheer joy and excitement of bebop music, making it a classic of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear them drums, Listen to that band.
The sound of the drums and the music being played by the band is worth listening to.
Ain't they grand, folks out there to swing.
The people out there seem to be enjoying and having a good time with the swing music that is being played.
Soon we're goin' to land, At New York City.
We will be reaching the New York City soon.
Blow, Gabriel, blow, We've been mobbed, but we ain't been had.
Let's continue playing the music without interruptions as we have been previously mobbed but still we haven't been stopped.
He's on the raid, he's on the prowl.
Someone is on the mission to catch or hunt someone or something.
He's on the trail, he's on the prowl.
Someone is following or looking for something or someone very closely.
He's on the chase, he's on the prowl.
Someone is chasing someone or something with a purpose.
The atmosphere is tense and hot, And we ain't got a care.
The environment around is charged with energy and tension, but we are not concerned.
When the music is all the thing, And we hear the hot stomp,
We are more focused on the music being played, especially the hot stomp style.
We forget everything, And lean way back.
We forget about everything else and just immerse ourselves in the music.
Things begin to hum, the boys begin to shout,
As the music picks up pace, everyone gets excited and expresses their joy by shouting.
Here comes the Cop, let's all jump and shout!
Suddenly, a cop arrives, but instead of being afraid, we all jump and shout because the music is so good.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gorgio Moroder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bickerstaffe1
A superb bebop trumpeter!!!
@rabbitdrummer3405
Shadow Wilson on Drums ?
@d3f1n3d2
Whose on sax? Doesn't sound all like Charlie Rouse?