Boston 1952
While many of Charlie Parker's surviving live recordings consist of only the altoist's solos, this CD presents complete performances of Parker playing his core repertoire. The music comes from two Boston performances, the first from 1952, the second from 1954, and it provides a chance to hear Parker's different, and brilliant, takes on "Ornithology," "Cool Blues," and "Scrapple from the Apple." While the 1952 session includes the stellar support ofCharles MingusandRoy Haynes, the less-celebrated Boston musicians of the 1954 recordings sound just as inspired by Parker's presence.--Stuart Broomer