A classic 50s collection of Verve material by Charlie Parker – and one of those records that will definitely help you understand his genius right from the start! The lineup here is slightly large – wonderful arrangements by Joe Lipman that are a bit orchestral, with strings as well – but never used in styles that get in the way of Charlie Parker's solidly smoking alto sax! In fact, the
music is a key example of just what makes Bird so different – as he's right out front, taking off in all his own directions – showing that although part of a group, a
musician of his caliber can also take flight in ways that few jazz
musicians would have imagined a few years before. The set features incredible readings of the tunes "Temptation", "Lover", "Stella By Starlight", "Dancing In The Dark", and "Laura".
(Later MGM stereo pressing. Cover has surface wear, some wear on the spine.)