This 1957 release, the third in a series of albums expanding on Bird’s 10” Clef releases from the early 1950’s, Now’s The Time boasts some of Parker’s purest recordings and strongest playing, featuring two different quartets.  His lyrical and fluid improvisations on cuts like “The Song Is You” and “Laird Baird” are on full display, prime examples of his unmatched genius.

VERVE BY REQUEST SERIES: remastered, audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl from Third Man Pressing/Detroit, gatefold sleeve.

Tracklist:

Now’s The Time (1957)

A1. The Song Is You
A2. Laird Baird
A3. Kim
A4. Kim (Alternate Take)
A5. Cosmic Rays
A6. Cosmic Rays (Alternate Take)
B1. Chi Chi
B2. Chi Chi (Alternate Take)
B3. Chi Chi (Alternate Take)
B4. I Remember You
B5. Now’s The Time
B6. Confirmation

Charlie Parker: Alto Saxophone / Teddy Kotick: Bass (Tracks A1 to A6) / Percy Heath: Bass (Tracks B1 to B6) / Max Roach: Drums / Hank Jones: Piano (Tracks A1 to A6) / Al Haig: Piano  (Tracks B1 to B6)