The Immortal Charlie Parker cover

Released 70 years ago

The Immortal Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker · 1956

53 min · 22 tracks · jazz

A vibrant collection of improvisational brilliance showcasing Parker's innovative bebop style through multiple takes of his iconic compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Little Willie Leaps (new take 2) Start here — This track exemplifies Parker's signature fast-paced improvisation and intricate melodic lines, capturing the essence of bebop.
  • →
    Donna Lee (new take 3) — Parker's interpretation of this standard showcases his innovative phrasing and harmonic complexity, making it a pivotal moment in the album.
  • →
    Now's the Time (original) — As one of Parker's most famous compositions, this version highlights his unparalleled ability to blend rhythm and melody seamlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album highlights Parker's improvisational skill through multiple takes but lacks cohesive flow due to its structure.

What we noticed

  • Each track features a different combination of musicians, leading to distinct interpretations of the pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • brief bursts of energetic creativity
  • exploratory variations on familiar themes
  • playful improvisation and spontaneity
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • dynamic shifts in tempo

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking long, cohesive pieces
  • prefer straightforward, predictable rhythms

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Parker's legacy and introduced his work to broader audiences.
Themes
1940s jazz revolution· smoke-filled clubs· bebop innovation
Career context
By 1956, Charlie Parker was in the later years of his influential career, having already shaped the bebop movement. This album compiles various takes from his classic tracks, reflecting both his virtuosity and the challenges he faced due to personal struggles. Released posthumously, it serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in jazz history.
Stylistic neighbors
Dizzy Gillespie· Thelonious Monk· Miles Davis
New to Charlie Parker? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Little Willie Leaps (short take 1) 0:48
  • 2 Little Willie Leaps (new take 2) Start here 3:10
  • 3 Little Willie Leaps (original take 3) 2:54
  • 4 Donna Lee (new take 2) 3:01
  • 5 Donna Lee (new take 3) 2:33
  • 6 Chasing the Bird (new take 1) 2:57
  • 7 Cheryl (short take 1) 0:06
  • 8 Cheryl (original take 2) 3:01
  • 9 Milestones (new take 2) 2:38
  • 10 Half Nelson (new take 1) 2:53
  • 11 Sipping at Bells (short take 3) 0:54
  • 12 Sipping at Bells (new take 4) 2:30
  • 13 Tiny's Tempo (short take 1) 3:02
  • 14 Tiny's Tempo (short take 2) 3:01
  • 15 Tiny's Tempo (original take 3) 2:56
  • 16 Red Cross (short take) 3:17
  • 17 Red Cross (original take 2) 3:10
  • 18 Now's the Time (original) 3:18
  • 19 Buzzy (short take 2) 0:36
  • 20 Buzzy (new take 3) 2:42
  • 21 Marmaduke (short take 3) 1:00
  • 22 Marmaduke (new take 4) 3:08

What to play next

Charlie Parker Memorial, Vol. 1
Listen next

Charlie Parker Memorial, Vol. 1

1956

Continues the legacy with more of Parker's influential works.
The Charlie Parker Story
Go back to

The Charlie Parker Story

1956

Sets the stage for understanding Parker's impact before diving deeper.
Full Charlie Parker discography Where to start with Charlie Parker Artists like Charlie Parker
bebop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Monk's Dream

Monk's Dream

Thelonious Monk

Shares the same adventurous improvisation and complex harmonies characteristic of bebop.

Kind of Blue

Kind of Blue

Miles Davis

Both albums explore innovative jazz structures with an emphasis on mood and atmosphere.

Giant Steps

Giant Steps

John Coltrane

Features intricate chord progressions and a focus on personal expression, akin to Parker's style.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata