As a long-time lover of Bird, I've often felt frustrated that no single CD offered a good overview of Parker's music. Most of the existing "best of" compilations were ridiculously incomplete, typically drawing from only one of the many record companies Bird recorded for, and many were riddled with bootleg-quality live recordings. This one, at long last, offers the newcomer a fine overview of what Bird did, from the early breakthrough tracks with Dizzy Gillespie that defined bebop through his spectacular dates for the Dial and Savoy labels that produced mind-boggling classics like "Ko Ko" and "Ornithology," to a couple tracks from the later "Bird with Strings" album that was his greatest commercial success, this disc offers the best single introduction to Parker ever released. If, like me, you already own virtually everything the man recorded, you'll find yourself arguing with a few of the track selections (how could they leave off "Billie's Bounce" or "Mohawk"?), but those simply seeking an introduction to this music will find this hugely enjoyable, and will be given an accurate (if necessarily incomplete) portrait of the Bird. If you can only own one Parker CD, I would recommend this one without hesitation.

Unlike most of the other artists featured in the KEN BURNS JAZZ series, Charlie Parker's career was relatively brief (his most significant recordings cover about a decade prior to his death in 1955). However, the number of classic performances 'Bird' recorded in this short period exceeds that of most artists who lived longer lives and had lengthier careers.

The first track is an early example of Bird's one-of-a-kind approach to improvisation as a sideman, while the remainder of the disc hits some of the many high points Bird reached, primarily in jazz quintet settings recorded for Savoy, Dial, and Verve. Parker's sidemen included such fellow legends as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. Though his repetoire almost always followed a blues or standard popular song format, the tunes--and especially Bird's solos within them--exhibit consistent variety and invention to keep most listeners from getting remotely bored, even when absorbed much larger helpings than this single CD.

There is one example of Bird with a small orchestrated accompiament (JUST FRIENDS), but this disc devotes most of its running time to presenting Bird in what few would argue was the best setting for his still-provocative solos: a combo format.

Being a huge Charlie Parker fan, I was excited to find a CD with such a diverse cross-section of his excellent work. Although it is very difficult to distill Parker's music to fit onto a single CD, Ken Burns managed to capture the essence of his music better than any of the other "greatest hits" that I have heard. Unfortunately, the sound quality is dismal. If you want something to listen to in your car, this would be a worthwhile purchase. If you are going to be listening on a decent sound system, I'd recommend something with better remastering ( like "the Essential Charlie Parker." )

Once again, the Ken Burn's series has introduced me to a jazz genius. Of course I had heard of Parker before, but wasn't that familiar with his music. But this cd has left me wanting to hear more. The music on here spans the years 1942 through to 1953 and covers several record labels, unlike other "Best of" collections. While there is some surface noise, it's not as bad as some reviewers make out. There are others in the Ken Burn's series which are way worse...like the Billie Holiday and Lester Young ones for instance. The booklet contains some photos and an interesting essay about Parker. This is an album that all Parker fans should own, and is a terrific place to start for someone like me who wants to discover the genius of Charlie Parker.

Here's a good introduction to the music of the amazing Charlie Parker. It begins with a recording Parker made as a member of Jay McShann's orchestra then continues through his all-too-brief career with some essential recordings he made for Savoy, Dial and various labels produced by Norman Granz (which were later reissued on the Verve label).

No individual CD can contain all of Parker's most important recordings but this one scans The Bird's years as a recording artist better than any other single-CD collection.

If you're looking for one CD that will introduce you to the artistry of a true American musical genius, this is the one to get.