As a leader,
Charlie Parker recorded for Savoy and Dial during 1945-1948 and then for Verve exclusively (at least in the studios) during 1949-1954. This remarkable ten-CD box set, which adds quite a bit of material to an earlier ten-LP set, contains all of these recordings plus Bird's earlier appearances with
Jazz at the Philharmonic. The
JATP jams are highlighted by
Parker's perfect solo on "Oh Lady Be Good," a ferocious improvisation on "The Closer," and a solo on "Embraceable You" that tops his more famous studio recording. In addition, this box has all of the "Bird and Strings" sides, his meetings with
Machito's Cuban orchestra, the 1950 session with
Dizzy Gillespie and
Thelonious Monk, small-group dates (including a 1951 meeting with
Miles Davis), odd encounters with voices and studio bands, the famous "Jam Blues" with fellow altoists
Johnny Hodges and
Benny Carter, and his final recordings, a set of
Cole Porter tunes. The fact-filled 34-page booklet is also indispensable. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow