The Genius of Charlie Parker, Vol. 3: Now's the Time

The Genius of Charlie Parker, Vol. 3: Now's the Time Review

 

by Robert Taylor

Now's the Time captures Charlie Parker during one of his peak recording periods. The personnel of Hank Jones, Al Haig, Percy Heath, Teddy Kotick, and Max Roach all contribute immeasurably to this classic session. There are numerous outtakes, which offers a fascinating analysis of Parker's improvisations, as well as classics such as "Song Is You," "Laird Baird," "Kim," and "Now's the Time." What makes this session extra special is the excellent recording quality that too many of his early recordings, brilliant as they are, suffered from. Hearing the clarity of each player contributes to one of bebop's best sessions. This is essential music. 

The Quartet of Charlie Parker   

The Genius of Charlie Parker, Vol. 3: Now's the Time

1 The Song Is You 00:00 2 Laird Baird 03:01 3 Kim 05:50 4 Kim (Alternate Take) 08:53 5 Cosmic Rays 11:56 6 Cosmic Rays (Alternate Take) 15:05 7 Chi Chi 18:25 8 Chi Chi (Alternate Take) 21:35 9 Chi Chi (Alternate Take) - Previously Unreleased 24:20 10 Chi Chi (Alternate Take) 27:01 11 I Remember You 30:08 12 Now' The Time 33:15 13 Confirmation 36:20 Alto Saxophone – Charlie Parker Piano – Al Haig (tracks: 7 to 13), Hank Jones (tracks: 1 to 6) Bass – Percy Heath (tracks: 7 to 13), Teddy Kotick (tracks: 1 to 6) Drums – Max Roach Recorded at Fulton Studios, NYC, December 30, 1952, July 28, 1953.