As part of Verve's
For Lovers series, the genius alto saxophonist
Charlie Parker is spotlighted on 11 tracks recorded between 1949 and 1954. This romantic set of standards aptly highlights
Bird's melancholic flight, especially on the seven tracks from
Charlie Parker with Strings: "Easy to Love," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," "Laura," "Everything Happens to Me," "Summertime," "Autumn in New York," and "Out of Nowhere." Some of
Bird's sidemen on these sessions include
John Lewis,
Red Rodney,
Hank Jones,
Buddy Rich,
Kenny Clarke,
Walter Bishop, Jr., and
Ray Brown, not to mention a full string section. While this compilation contains timeless performances, it only represents a miniscule portion of
Charlie Parker's panoramic legacy. ~ Al Campbell