A compilation of 12 tracks recorded by Charlie Parker during his years with the Verve label. The CD isn't in chronological order or comprehensive enough to deem it a "best of." That is not to say that this album doesn't contain some phenomenal recordings, it features some of Parker's best including "Now's The Time," "Blues For Alice" and "K.C. Blues" a collaboration with Miles Davis. In addition to the 11 studio tracks it also has a 12-minute live version of "Lester Leaps In" which features the tunes composer Lester Young. Since most Charlie Parker fans will have these songs from other disks they can probably skip this one, however those looking for an introduction to Parker or Be Bop this is a decent place to start. — Curtis Zimmermann