Landmark Album #8 - Bird - The Savoy Recordings (Savoy Jazz)

Parker (as, ts), Miles Davis (t), Dizzy Gillespie, Argonne Thornton, Clyde Hart, Bud Powell, John Lewis, Duke Jordan (p), Tiny Grimes (g, v), Curley Russell, Tommy Potter (b), Harold West and Max Roach (d) plus others. Rec. 1945-48

Parker, of course, made his most innovatory music on record prior to the invention of the LP, so every collection of his brilliant music from the 1940s is a latter-day compilation of the original 78rpm singles.

Early vinyl attempts to collate his best material were haphazard at best, especially from the original Savoy company, so it wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that things got in any way organised and proper chronological reissues were successfully brought to market.

These days, you can buy the complete Parker Savoys and Dials in a lavish multiple set, but you get all the breakdown, alternative takes and other bits and pieces, making it a trial for all but the committed Parker enthusiast.

For those who want to know and shiver to the thrills of encountering earth-moving genius for the first time, master takes only, then this set from the 1980s is the best entry point: you get Parker’s own approved performance, you get just the Savoys. Undiluted precedent-breaking music from Parker, aided and abetted by the best and most sympathetic colleagues of the day.

Credits: KS