Module 4 Assignment: Journal Article Reflection 3

History of JazzStudent’s NameInstitutional AffiliationHistory of JazzAfrican-American Charlie Parker was amongst the most significant figures in jazz’s progression and be-bop. He played what is considered to have been thoughtful jazz and was unlimited by arrangements, making him the improvisation master. Unfortunately, Parker, or ‘Bird’ was a troubled individual struggling with substance abuse and alcoholism. However, that did not stop him from becoming a genius man who transformed jazz history’s course. The poem from Callaloo journal focuses on Parker and contains ample religious imagery connected to his drug habits. It also depicts the painful association jazz musicians and fans had or have with the astonishing drugs’ world. The beginning of the poem reads, ‘exhale a blue dream...hear heaven sing back to you’ (Beete, 1999). The reader gets the impression that this phrase describes Parker being under the influence of drugs. He is breathing in and exhaling the smoke from the drugs, imagining that heaven is singing back to him. Parker also reminds himself not to look down, giving the reader an impression that he might feel as if he is floating on air.