Customer Reviews

Parker's Mood

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think we will hear more about Mr. Di Battista. This album is techinically brilliant, Stefano has does his homework. Parker's Mood is best tribute album in long time.

I have to respectfully disagree with the other reviewers who have all nearly declared this album a reincarnation of Bird. While Battista's album may follow the rhythmic and melodic structures of bop, there are few moments here that remind me of Parker's playing. Battista's sax solos are far too melodic and lack the frenetic pace and, as a result, much of the excitement of listening to Bird (the one exception to this is "Donna Lee"). In addition, Battista's timbre is very pure, he doesn't play nearly as much in the higher registers of the saxophone, and lacks the great, sometimes piercing, wail of Bird's alto. If Battista is not Bird, Kenny Barron on piano and Flavio Boltro on trumpet are no Bud Powell and Dizzy Gillespie, as both essentially play carefully phrased melodies that remind me more of cool jazz than bop. It seems this album would be more aptly titled "Parker's Songs" rather than Parker's Mood, as Battista plays many of Parker's best tunes but not really in a Parker-esque style.

Having described what this album is not, it is worth noting what it is. As other reviewers have noted, the playing here is very tight (and the sound is excellent, very full). The solos are inventive and phrased beautifully. The slower songs ("Laura," Embraceable You," "'Round Midnight") tend to be the longest and, at times, sound a bit boring to me. Battista seems very sure of his tone and phrasing and having the pace of the tunes picked up really pushes him to more exciting playing. Overall, I think this album is more likely to appeal to fans of cooler jazz than it is to Parker fans, but it is worth checking out as a recent interpretation of some classic tunes.

I love Parker, but most of his recordings sound dated. This album really breathes life into Bird's works. Battista sounds so much like CP it is hard to remember that you aren't listening to him at times. If you like Parker or just want to listen to some great jazz, this is an excellent addition to your bob library.

This music harks back to the 50's when jazz was fresh and exciting. This album is brilliant, fresh and exciting. Technically it is superb, instrumentally it is sparkling. This is the best jazz album I have bought in 5 years, bar none.

Wow! What a great player. I heard this on XM, contacted them, found the Artist, and then bought it.

Awesome recording of a sax player who is really really great!!

Excellent arrangements - like "Bird's" original recordings of famous compositions.

Beautiful sound and all excellent players. Listen and you will understand!!

Very difficult to find recording - for some reason. This is one you definitely want in your collection and you will listen to it again and again!