Bird is the 1988 film biography of larger-than-life saxophonist and towering jazz figure of the 20th century, Charlie "Bird" Parker. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Forest Whitaker as Parker. Clint Eastwood, a lifelong jazz fan, had been fascinated by Charlie Parker and his music since seeing him play in Oakland in 1945. This soundtrack contains several key themes played by Parker, in bright, small group re-recordings that also featured Monty Alexander, Walter Davies Jr. and Barry Harris on piano; Ray Brown, Ron Carter and Chuck Berghofer on bass and John Guerin on drums.

One of the most influential jazz pianists of the last century, Thelonious Monk was the subject of Straight, No Chaser - the 1989 documentary named after one of Monk's best known compositions. A fascinating study of his life, the informative and compelling movie brimmed over with many splendid musical moments that relied heavily on rare performances by Monk and various groups he fronted. This CD brings it all together in a sparkling recording enhanced by a thrilling studio version of the title track.

'Round Midnight is the much loved 1986 movie from Bertrand Tavernier starring saxophone giant Dexter Gordon as Dale Turner (a fictional composite of famed jazz expatriates Bud Powell and Lester Young) a brilliant but self-destructive jazz artist. Adding to the vivid story was the music - prepared by Herbie Hancock and Henri Renaud in which Dexter Gordon played various standards and original tunes along with a stellar line-up of musicians including Chet Baker, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Billy Higgins, Freddie Hubbbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby McFerrin, John McLaughlin, Pierre Michelot, Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams. Lovely stuff.

Packaging & Liner Notes
3 standard jewel cases in a cardboard box. All have great booklets.