Customer Reviews

South of the Border: Verve Latin Jazz Sides

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Charlie Parker at the peak of his powers in the setting of an Afro-Cuban big band. The arrangements are great and Bird sounds totaly inspired! Such a deal!
Listen to Parker and Flip Phillips trading fours in the "Jazz" section of Chico O'Farrel's "Afro-Cuban Jazz Suite"! Good Lord!!!
This is but one more piece of evidence that Charlie Parker was the greatest musical mind of the twentieth century. The only musician I can think of who approaches him in terms of imagination is Mozart. By my calculations those two guys should have a peer born into the world somewhere around the year 2084.
Don't wait. Check this out now!

THis is a great place to hear Bird in a not-so-bop atmosphere. Although the groove is unmistakably Latin, driven by the rhythms of the legendary Machito, among others, Parker's style really doesn't change much. Instead, he states the theme, and then goes at it with his usual high octane pace.

"Mango Mangue," Tico Tico," and "Okiedoke" are flat out great tunes.

Parker and Co. really get to stretch out on the 17 minute "Afro Cuban Dance Suite."

All of the tunes are inventive and original. Includes a cool version of the standard "La Cucaracha."

The longer cuts on this album are Parker playing the lead with Machito's orchestra. The remaining tracks are Bird playing with small groups in a Latin groove. The tracks with Machito are fantastic. One wishes he had done more stuff like that. The small group stuff is not as exciting or inovative, but still very enjoyable.

Catchy tunes accentuated with Charlie's soulfulness and emotional drive! One of my instant favorites!