Charlie Parker: Star Eyes

Charlie Parker may have owed his fame to his dazzling, finger-cramping saxophone solos on his own bebop tunes, but one of his most enjoyable sides is his 1950 recording of Star Eyes. It is, in my opinion, the definitive recording of this composition, which may have something to do with the all-star quartet here. Parker blows a repeated five-note introduction and then quickly settles into the romance, carving a gentle path through the ballads melody and chorus. Pianist Hank Jones comps respectfully while bassist Ray Brown walks the line; drummer Buddy Rich is far more restrained than what were using to hearing from him. This Star Eyes is pure perfection.