This story is said to be Julio Cortázar’s first attempt at realism. Although the subject of the story (prodigious jazz musician Johnny Parker) is fictional, the events closely follow the personal life and last months of jazz legend Charlie Parker. Told through the eyes of Johnny’s close friend and biographer, the story not only pays tribute Parker’s extraordinary talent, but also lays bare the demons (mental health problems, heroin addiction, and alcohol abuse) that led to his death at thirty-four. Themes include friendship, mental illness, substance abuse, pursuit in art and life, the nature of time and reality.
Original Text / PDF (22.650 words)
For anyone interested, the recording Amorous that pops up so frequently in the story is a thinly disguised reference to Parker’s recording Loverman. There are several versions on YouTube. The one below is the original alluded to in the story, where Parker was so drunk he had to be held up to complete it. The story suggests that the best way to listen to it is to turn the lights out and lay down on the floor. Works for me!