There are several reasons to buy this LP. One glance at the personnel list, which includes
Max Roach,
Al Haig,
Percy Heath,
Buddy Rich, and
Coleman Hawkins, among others, should be convincing enough. The clean, energetic quartet and/or small group sound contributed by these brilliant players allow
Parker to unfurl his alto genius unhindered while still matching him in intensity and with equally formidable solo chops. Secondly, the track list is packed with some of
Parker's finest compositions. "Now's the Time," "Confirmation," "Laird Baird," "Kim," and "The Bird" are given superior readings here with fluent, challenging, and strikingly inventive playing from all involved. That
Charlie Parker is at the helm here needn't even be listed as a reason to pick up this set, since it should go without saying that his beautiful, soulful tone, technical expertise, and ceaseless innovation are as mind-blowing as ever. ~ Rovi Staff