I first encountered some of the Charlie Parker Records items, then Dial and Savoy. I'd really hate to choose between any of the Bird releases, and it's really hard to choose between Dial and Savoy. John makes a good point about the ballads. Still, I'll say Savoy, the sound, the sidemen, the energy, that's the Bird I reach for most. I have all the releases that Denon put out on separate cds, and the combined box set. Timeless material.