Much has been written about the musical legacy of Charlie Parker. It is conjectured that had he not died at 35 in 1955, Parker, ever the explorer and Musical Messiah, would have probably ventured deeper into more "exotic" orchestral formats and other unique fare. While his death at an early age was a tragic loss for music, the resonance that Parker's work possesses, as witnessed in the Strings sessions - and as presented here in this outstanding offering by Glenn Zottola - validate the inclusion of the Parker with Strings sessions as acknowledged as one of the most influential jazz recordings of all time. Yes, as long as artists continue to explore and redefine this marvelous art form, Bird does live indeed.
- Nick Mondello