By Scott Yanow | Published January 2025
During the first three decades after Charlie Parker’s 1955 death, there were countless posthumous releases. Many were recorded by fans; some were barely listenable; only a handful added to the altoist’s legacy. Now, 70 years since Parker’s passing, suddenly some well-recorded and valuable “new” recordings appear on Bird In Kansas City. The music is from three periods. The first seven numbers, comprising four standards, a medium-tempo blues and two jams based on “Rhythm” changes, has Parker in July 1951 accompanied by an unidentified walking bassist. The 23 minutes feature Bird at the peak of his powers, playing chorus after chorus of mostly fresh ideas; even the occasional clichés were originally his. “Bird #3” and “Cherokee” in particular are filled with blazing double-time runs that still sound modern today. Five other selections from June 1944 are even more valuable, showcasing Parker with metronomic backup by rhythm guitarist Efferge Ware and quiet accompaniment from drummer Edward “Little Phil” Phillips.
On such numbers as the ballad “My Heart Tells Me,” and “I Found A New Baby,” the altoist shows that he had his style together three months prior to his “Red Cross” recording session with Tiny Grimes. Also on this CD are two numbers from Feb. 6, 1941, with the Jay McShann Orchestra, two months before their first session for the Decca label. Parker’s chorus on “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” is filled with new ideas not previously played on record by anyone else.
