1952-54

This CD includes the last studio sessions prior to Parker's death. The opening tracks by a studio big band include delightful and emotional solos by Parker, but the arrangements are rather heavy. Oscar Peterson's playing is remarkably reserved here as if he realized that Parker (unlike the pianist) would not get many more occasions to play in such contexts. Throughout 1952 Parker toured throughout the U.S. but only managed to make one more studio session. The quartet tracks with Hank Jones at the piano bring back memories of the '40s. Although he is surrounded by his old cohorts Charles Mingus and Max Roach, the session arranged by Gil Evans leaves a mixed impression - too much was packed into these charts and the vocal group limits rather than enhances the music.