Charlie Parker [Verve]

Read About This Recording

Charlie Bird Parker was one of the most remarkable musicians of all time. The altoist not only paved the way for bebop in the early 1940s but his every phrase became part of the modern jazz vocabulary. Bird's technique allowed him to play perfectly coherent and adventurous solos at very fast speeds yet he was consistently bluesy, showing off his roots in Kansas City.

While Parker's most famous recordings were made for Savoy and Dial during 1945-48, his output for Verve (and its predecessor Clef) during 1947-54 has often been underrated. Bird recorded in many different settings for producer Norman Granz's Verve and Clef labels, from the Afro-Cuban music of Machito to his famous Bird With Strings series and dates with big bands. However, this particular reissue puts the focus on the altoist with small groups. While trumpeter Kenny Dorham and trombonist Tommy Turk are on Cardboard and Visa, and tenor great Coleman Hawkins makes a guest appearance on Ballade, the other selections showcase Bird in a quartet with either Hank Jones or Al Haig on piano, Percy Heath, Teddy Kotick or Ray Brown on bass and Max Roach, Buddy Rich or Shelly Manne on drums. Among the many gems are Now's The Time, Confirmation, Star Eyes and The Bird. In addition, at the end of this CD there are nine alternate takes from these dates.

This set is a must for bebop and Charlie Parker collectors.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Now's The Time; I Remember You; Confirmation*; Chi-Chi*; The Song Is You; Laird Baird; Kim*; Cosmic Rays*; Star Eyes; Blues (Fast); I'm In The Mood For Love; The Bird; Celebrity; Ballade; Cardboard; Visa; Kim.

(*Includes alternate versions.)

Charlie Parker, Alto Sax; Coleman Hawkins, Tenor Sax; Kenny Dorham, Trumpet; Al Haig, Hank Jones, Pianos; Shelly Manne, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Drums; Carlos Vidal, Congas; Tommy Potter, Teddy Kotick, Percy Heath, Ray Brown, Basses; Tommy Turk, Trombone.