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So I've been sequentially pulling out discs from the binders that I haven't heard in a while and came to the Uptown release Boston 1952. Not having the notes handy I use google and what do I find? Our very own Larry Kart's Trib review. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-12-15/news/9612150019_1_charlie-parker-captures-music Excerpts: Parker's virtousity was of a special sort--not just speed of execution but a rush of meaningful musical thought so torrential that at times it bordered on the frenetic. But now that image of Parker's music has been altered, quite unexpectedly, by a CD of never before released live performances, "Charlie Parker--Boston 1952" (Uptown). The CD begins with seven tracks from a 1952 club date (the remaining four come from 1954), and on them the sheer connectedness of Parker's playing--the way every fleeting gesture flows into the next to form a dazzling, coherent whole--is at a level notably higher than any Parker had reached before. Second, and perhaps more surprising, is the emotional tone of the music. Before this, Parker at his most inspired was Parker at his most driven, a man who played as though there were a hellhound on his trail. But on this afternoon in Boston, it seems that, for once, nothing stood between Parker and his quest to capture and express all aspects of every thought that crossed his mind. As a result, this music doesn't sound frenzied or tormented at all but almost paradisic--as though Parker had burst through to a realm where each need is met the instant he conceives of it. How this could have happened at all is one question. (Perhaps, Parker was stimulated by the presence in his rhythm section of a gifted and very unusual young pianist, Dick Twardzik.) Another question is why this may have happened just once--for if it had happened earlier or later in Parker's career, it seems likely it would have been captured on one of his large number of studio and live recordings. So does Larry hit the nail on the head? Is Boston the peak Bird, never heard before or after? Not tormented or frenzied? I've never thought of Bird as either so I am wondering what others think. And I hope Larry A) doesn't mind my using his work and B) might be interesting if Larry still hears it the same way?