Personnel:
Charlie Parker (as), Oscar Peterson (p), Barney Kessel (g), Ray Brown (b), J.C. Heard (d)
Reference: DRCD 11254
This extraordinary release features two of Birds outstanding 1952 recording dates. The first session was recorded in early June at the Norman Granz Jam Session in Hollywood, California, while the second was recorded at the Jazz at Midnight Jam Session, in the Howard Theater, Washington, D.C.
The unparalleled Norman Granz Jam Session features the likes of piano virtuoso Oscar Peterson and guitar genius Barney Kessel laying down the harmonies over the ever-solid playing of Ray Brown on Bass and J.C.
Heard on drums. On the Jazz at Midnight Jam Session, Birds frenetic
sound can be heard against the smooth sounds of fellow alto saxophonists Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges.
The session also features trumpeter Charlie Shavers as well as the sweet sounds of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster. These live concerts make up some of the most exciting material from the legacy of Charlie Yardbird Parker.
Tracklisting:
01. Funky Blues 13:27 (J. Hodges)
02. Ballad Medley: 17:23
All the things you are (Kern-Hammerstein II)
Dearly Beloved (kern-Mercer)
The Nearness Of You (Carmichael-Washington)
Ill Get By (As Long As I Have You) (Ahlert-Turk)
Everything Happens To Me (Adair-Dennis)
The Man I Love (G. & I. Gershwin)
Whats New (Haggart-Burke)
Someone To Watch over me (G. & I. Gershwin)
Its it Romantic (Rodgers-Hart)
03. Jam Blues 14:42 (ad lib)
04. What Is This Thing Called Love 15:51 (C. Porter)
05. Scrapple From The Apple 5:21 (C. Parker)
06. Out Of Nowhere 3:59 (Heyman-Green)
07. Nows The Time 8:37 (C. Parker)
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Notes:
If you take his nickname, Bird, and you picture a bird flying through the air, you know, in flight, he's totally free, right? And if you listen to his playing, even though
the music is structured, once you hear him play, his style of playing is so totally free, that he could just go in any direction he so desired.
-Milt Jackson, on the liner notes
