Charlie Parker - "Bird In Kansas City" / This new set of rare Charlie Parker recordings dating from between 1941-1951, most of them never having been heard before and some never even having been known to exist, chronicle Bird's evolution from a blossoming soloist with the Jay McShann Band into a brilliant improviser who dominated the jazz landscape for decades to come. In addition to two unreleased 78s with the McShann band, this set offers two sets of private recordings made with local musicians and a very relaxed-sounding Parker. Verve Label Group; Verve; Jazz

Ornithology: The Best of Bird is a new compilation bringing together 11 cuts from legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. Designed as an introduction to this influential artist, it covers Bird's prime years between 1945 and 1953, with cuts including "Ko-Ko," "Billie's Bounce," and "Groovin' High". Included on the back of the newly designed sleeve is a new essay by GRAMMY� award winning writer Ashley Kahn.

Vinyl LP pressing. This 1957 release, the third in a series of albums expanding on Bird's 10-inch 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.