This CD includes the last studio sessions prior to Parker's death. The opening tracks by a studio big band include delightful and emotional solos by Parker, but the arrangements are rather heavy. Oscar Peterson's playing is remarkably reserved here as if he realized that Parker (unlike the pianist) would not get many more occasions to play in such contexts. Throughout 1952 Parker toured throughout the U.S. but only managed to make one more studio session. The quartet tracks with Hank Jones at the piano bring back memories of the '40s. Although he is surrounded by his old cohorts Charles Mingus and Max Roach, the session arranged by Gil Evans leaves a mixed impression - too much was packed into these charts and the vocal group limits rather than enhances the music.
6 Laird Laird (Blues for Laird) - Charlie Parker Quartet
7 Kim - Charlie Parker Quartet
8 Cosmic Rays - Charlie Parker Quartet
9 In the Still of the Night - Charlie Parker
10 Old Folks - Charlie Parker
11 If I Love Again - Charlie Parker
12 Chi Chi - Charlie Parker Quartet
13 I Remember You - Charlie Parker Quartet
14 Now's the Time - Charlie Parker Quartet
15 Confirmation - Charlie Parker Quartet
16 I Get a Kick Out of You - Charlie Parker Quintet
17 Just One of Those Things - Charlie Parker Quintet
18 My Heart Belongs to Daddy - Charlie Parker Quintet
19 I've Got You Under My Skin - Charlie Parker Quintet
20 Love for Sale - Charlie Parker Quintet
21 I Love Paris - Charlie Parker Quintet
This CD includes the last studio sessions prior to Parker's death. The opening tracks by a studio big band include delightful and emotional solos by Parker, but the arrangements are rather heavy. Oscar Peterson's playing is remarkably reserved here as if he realized that Parker (unlike the pianist) would not get many more occasions to play in such contexts. Throughout 1952 Parker toured throughout the U.S. but only managed to make one more studio session. The quartet tracks with Hank Jones at the piano bring back memories of the '40s. Although he is surrounded by his old cohorts Charles Mingus and Max Roach, the session arranged by Gil Evans leaves a mixed impression - too much was packed into these charts and the vocal group limits rather than enhances the music.
