A Bird in Igor's Yard - An Appreciation
One of George Russell’s earliest compositions was for big band, entitled “A Bird in Igor’s Yard,” the implication being Charlie Parker and Igor Stravinsky. It was recorded by a Buddy DeFranco-led ensemble for Capitol Records on April 23, 1949 at WOR Recording Studios. Only one take was made as there was no time to do another one (thanks to Gene DiNovi for that information). The recording was not issued, but was always mentioned by Russell in interviews, particularly when recordings of his work during the late 1950’s were issued and were praised in the jazz press. It was finally published as score and parts in 2013, and that was a culmination of many events.