On My Own Again - Rupert Parker

Advantages: Charlie Parker of course.
Disadvantages: None.

...Crazeology - Charlie Parker Jazz time again folks, well bebop to be precise (mostly). I make no secret of being a huge Charlie Parker fan. Not just because he was arguably the greatest alto saxophone player ever, but because he was a pioneer. At a time when black music was seen as something that was somehow less accomplished, and the musicians somewhat less worthy than their white counterparts (in fact it was thought that hardly any black musicians could read music, a common myth), Parker broke the mould. He wrote, he practically invented a new genre (be bop), well maybe I exaggerate, he was certainly one of the leading lights. He also played with chord structure and melodies and harmonies, tearing up the rule book and inventing his own style. His sound is incredibly distinctive, despite the fact that he played on numerous... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Alto saxophony at it's best.
Disadvantages: Not to everyones taste.

...this version, it is smooth, but in places 'breaks out' into a bit of 'edge'. Great stuff. Sidewinder: A very well known Art Pepper piece, here we see his, well I guess the only word is, confidence. He absolutely 'owns' this, he goes up and down scales with the piece, and seems to be loving it. ~~~~Final Thoughts~~~~ If you have not heard of Art Pepper, he is not as dynamic as Charlie Parker, he as not as smooth as Kenny G, he is not as edgy as Albert Ayler, he is not as 'passionate' as John Coltrane. What he is/was good at is playing in a way that leaves one actively listening, it is almost hypnotic. This album, whether you buy the Amazon version or the iTunes (much better value) is a really good edition to any jazz collection. there are no really weak links though I am not a fan of 'Diane'. ~~~~~Full Track Listing~~~~~ Abstract Art I surrender... Read review

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Advantages: Fine alto and tenor playing
Disadvantages: One or two bland choices of material

...This is a worthwhile addition to the bebop library, in which Sonny Stitt goes some way to dispelling two popular misconceptions about him: one, that he was just a Charlie Parker clone; and secondly, that his achievements were as a band member or collaborator rather than an outright leader. Stitt does indeed pay his respects to Parker here, quoting from such Parker treatments as "Star Eyes" and "My Melancholy Baby". But this is more of a tribute to the jazz giant in the aftermath of his death than a copycat act. Stitt himself disliked the comparison, and his decision to record on tenor as well as alto sax can in many ways be seen as a piece of self-assertion. He handles both with equal zest and shows he can be delicate one moment, more beligerent the next. To me the best moments on this recording are the three stylish and confident... Read review

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