Now’s The Time: The Genius of Charlie Parker (Verve by Request)

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. This Verve By Request title is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.

Side A

1. The Song Is You
2. Laird Baird
3. Kim
4. Kim (Alternate Take)
5. Cosmic Rays
6. Osmic Rays (Alternate Take)

Side B

7. Chi Chi
8. Chi Chi (Alternate Take)
9. Chi Chi (Alternate Take)
10. I Remember You
11. Now’s The Time
12. Confirmation