This is a rather unusual package. Inside the box is a single CD, an illustrated childrens' book on
Charlie Parker by
Charlie Watts and a frameable photo of
Bird. This expensive set does contain some excellent music on the CD, hot bop performances from a quintet featuring the great altoist
Peter King and trumpeter
Gerard Presencer in addition to
Watts on drums, but unfortunately it is also rather brief (under 28 minutes). If there had been twice as much music this set would get a much higher rating for the straightforward music is quite strong and the
Bird tributes heartfelt.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi