Cd on the Jazz Heritage label, copyright 1997 Polydor/Polgram S A France, manufactured under license from Verve Records, Tracks are Waltz for Ruth, Our Spanish Love Song, Message to a Friend, Two for the Road, First Song, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, The Precious Jewel, He's Gone Away, The Moon Song, Tears of Rain, Cinema Paradiso (love theme), Cinema Paradiso (main theme), Spiritual

This two-CD collection brings the best of Charlie Parker's Verve recordings. The Verve sessions were recorded under the influence of impresario Norman Granz, who put Parker into a wide range of settings (quartet, big band, strings, and even a woodwind quintet with vocals are included here), playing both Parker originals as well as popular songs of the day. These are not the pared-down, blistering performances of the Savoy and Dial sessions; however, they are quite remarkable in that they reveal the astonishing breadth of Parker's musical genius. A voracious talent, he shines brilliantly in every setting. The joy in this collection is getting to hear his bright ideas in such a range of musical situations. —Michael Monhart

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this 1989 album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. GRP. 2006.

This CD reissue consists primarily of tracks from Chick Corea's early Blue Note LPs Now He Sings, Now He Sobs and The Song of Singing. Both are trio sessions. The former, recorded in 1968, featured bassist Miroslav Vitous and drummer Roy Haynes playing a program combining originals and standards. The latter, recorded in 1970, is a more experimental outing with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Barry Altschul. Corea's playing demonstrates a freedom and spontaneity that became all too rare on his later recordings, while the compelling interaction of the trio pointed the way for the ECM chamber-jazz sound of the early '70s. Shortly after this recording, saxophonist Anthony Braxton joined the trio to form the short-lived Circle, which combined free jazz with avant-garde classical composition. —Rick Mitchell

This adventurous yet lyrical trio LP was Chick Corea's career breakthrough album, establishing him as a significant pianist and composer. Over three days in March 1968, Corea recorded with Miroslav Vitous and Haynes (they have since reunited many times over past 34 years) and produced a total of 13 great performances only five of which were used on the original albums. The material ranged from soon-to-be Corea classics like "Matrix" and "Windows" to extended improvised pieces like the title tune to creative interpretations of Monk's "Pannonica" and "My One And Only Love".

Newly remixed and remastered in 24-bit, this milestone session is complete on this CD and sounds better than ever.

Chick Corea: Piano
Miroslav Vitous: Bass
Roy Haynes: Drums