Charlie Parker In Sweden 1950: The Complete Recordings CD - Import

Audiophiles may blanch at the less-than-exemplary fidelity of these live recordings, but they certainly sound no worse than the legendary Dean Benedetti recordings, and they're of similar historical importance. Live jazz was still a rarity in Sweden in the early '50s, and this set (actually a seven-song park concert, followed by three selections--"Body and Soul," "Fine and Dandy" and "How High the Moon"--from an impromptu jam later that evening) gives the listener an idea of what influences were at work in Scandinavia at the time. Cool jazz on the order of the Lee Konitz/Lennie Tristano nexus seems to have been the standard, which means that Parker's typically fiery and passionate solos are set against a rather restrained and cerebral setting. Oddly, it's Parker's originals, such as "Anthropology" and "Cool Blues," that sound the most transformed by this dichotomy. As such, this recording is a unique and essential document.

Recorded live in Sweden in 1950. Includes liner notes by Lars Werner.

Personnel includes: Charlie Parker (alto saxophone).

Personnel: Charlie Parker (alto saxophone); Gosta Theselius (tenor saxophone, piano); Rolf Ericson (trumpet); Lennart Nilsson (piano); Jack Noren (drums).

Recording information: Amiralen Dance Hall, Malmo, Sweden (11/20/1950-11/26/1950); Folkets Park, Halsingborg, Sweden (11/20/1950-11/26/1950); Goteborg, Sweden (11/20/1950-11/26/1950); Stockholm, Sweden (11/20/1950-11/26/1950).

Personnel: Charlie Parker (alto saxophone); Gosta Theselius (tenor saxophone, piano); Rolf Ericson, Rowland Greenberg (trumpet); Lennart Nilsson (piano); Thore Jederby (bass); Jack Noren (drums).