One of a handful of musicians who can be said to have permanently changed jazz, Charlie Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time. He could play remarkably fast lines that, if slowed down to half speed, would reveal that every note made sense.
Not considering the 24 "with strings" performances, there are 50 other master takes here produced by Norman Granz, ranging from a 1947 Carnegie Hall date to Parker's last in 1954. Many of the cuts here come from 1950-1952. Half of the 1949 sessions are string dates; the rest come from sessions with Kenny Dorham, Tommy Turk, Al Haig, Tommy Potter, and Carlos Vidal. The most rewarding performances here are a reunion of sorts with Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, along with Curly Russell and Buddy Rich, from April 1950. These tracks are nearly seminal versions of "Mohawk," "Leapfrog," and "Relaxin' with Lee," along with fine reads of "Bloomdido," "An Oscar for Treadwell," and "My Melancholy Baby." Four other cuts come from a brief reunion with Miles Davis and Max Roach in January of 1951 with Teddy Kotick and Walter Bishop, Jr…
Earl "Bud" Powell (1924-1966) is generally considered to be the most important pianist in the history of jazz. Noted jazz writer and critic Gary Giddins, in Visions of Jazz, goes even further, saying that "Powell will be recognized as one of the most formidable creators of piano music in any time or idiom."
42 original albums (+4 EPs and 27 Singles) gathered on 20CDs ‘Jazz From America On Disques Vogue’ reviews the revolutionary passage from the 78 rpm to the Long-Play era. A totally cool little package – one that features 20 different CDs, each done as a different tiny replica of a 10" LP that originally appeared on the Vogue Records label overseas! Vogue was well-known for recording important sessions by American jazzmen in Paris in the early 50s – but this package brings together work that was recorded in America by many of the same artists, and issued by Vogue in unique packages overseas – many of which are replicated here, along with bonus material too! The set features 20 CDs, but includes 40 different albums – as each CD features tracks from original 10" album releases – with full details on tracks, personnel, and other information in the large booklet provided – a great complement to the records by artists who include Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Red Norvo, Lester Young, Mahalia Jackson, Spirit Of Memphis Quartet, Wynonie Harris, Earl Bostic, Charlie Parker, Charlie Christian, Art Tatum, Erroll Garner, Sidney Bechet, Miles Davis, and others!
On the occasion of Charlie Parker's 100th birthday in 2020, “Bird Lives” opens, produces and records a new, orchestral view of his music. Played by one of the best big bands in Europe, arranged by Magnus Lindgren and John Beasley and with a squad of top-class guests, some of whom have received Grammy Awards, such as Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller and many more.