Jazz at the Philharmonic 1949

This edition of Norman Granz's star-studded Jazz at the Philharmonic comes from a September 1949 concert at Carnegie Hall. The format is the usual loose jam session mixing bop and swing musicians, but it's an extraordinary lineup, joining Parker with two of his biggest influences, trumpeter Roy Eldridge and tenor saxophonist Lester Young. Young swings mightily, particularly on his signature "Lester Leaps in," while Eldridge is sparkling throughout, his opening statement of "Embraceable You" a lustrous delight. Parker's mercurial genius is apparent every time he solos, while the other horn players--tenor saxophonist Flip Phillips and trombonist Tommy Turk--add some meaty, hard-driving work. The rhythm section is something of a mixed blessing, combining the consummate skills of pianist Hank Jones and bassist Ray Brown with Buddy Rich's obstreperous drumming, but it all works in the vigorous JATP fashion, giants and journeymen alike generating the wailing force of a big band. Ella Fitzgerald's vocals add much to the excitement of "Flying Home" and "How High the Moon." --Stuart Broomer