"Chasin' the Bird" is a composition by Charlie Parker.
The original version, by Parker's quintet, was recorded on May 8, 1947.
[1] "Chasin' the Bird" is an unusual composition for Parker.
[2] Its theme "contains two simultaneous and interlocking melodies played contrapuntally by alto and trumpet.
"[2] The structure is AABA and the harmony is based on that of "I Got Rhythm", in the key of F.[3] The composition was first recorded by Parker's quintet, which contained Parker (alto saxophone), Miles Davis (trumpet), Bud Powell (piano), Tommy Potter (bass), and Max Roach (drums).