Moose the Mooche Lyrics

Review by Scott Yanow

Charlie Parker recorded for Dial during the same period he was cutting his better-known sides for Savoy. This four-CD set contains his 89 Dial recordings including all of the alternate takes. The innovative altoist is heard with Dizzy Gillespie on "Diggin' Diz" and playing definitive versions of "Moose the Mooche," "Yardbird Suite," and "Ornithology" in a septet, struggling during his tragic "Lover Man" date; on excerpts from a poorly recorded live session, backing singer Earl Coleman, and interacting with the Erroll Garner Trio; playing his classic "Relaxin' at Camarillo" (four versions); and finally leading several sessions with his classic quintet (which included trumpeter Miles Davis, pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Tommy Potter, and drummer Max Roach) recording such gems as "Dewey Square," "Embraceable You," and "Scrapple From the Apple," the final session adds the great trombonist J.J. Johnson to the group for more classic music. Essential music, highly recommended for all jazz collections.