This 1988 compilation from Verve serves to introduce new listeners to the stunning talent of Charlie Parker, one of the greatest musicians of all time. A smattering of his best known compositions are presented, along with some standards, including a long Lester Leaps In that features the legendary Lester Young.

Grade: B.

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This Chilean war picture follows a squad sent to set up an outpost near the Argentine border during the Beagle Conflict of the 1970s. The interaction between the Chileans and their Argentine counterparts is reminiscent of the Christmas Truce. The story is endearing and well acted, despite a low budget.

Grade: B-.

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The Modern Jazz Quartet celebrates their 40th anniversary with a smattering of diverse stars, such as Bobby McFerrin, Take 6, Phil Woods, Illinois Jaquet, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Jimmy Heath, and Nino Tempo, in this spectacular set of standards. This was, sadly, one of their last recordings.

Grade: A.

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Oscar Peterson features prominently with his friends, including Ray Brown, Clark Terry, and Herb Ellis. This compilation highlights Peterson’s sets in the mid sixties and features two of his composition along with a bunch of familiar standards. This is a great introduction to Oscar Peterson and just a wonderful listen.

Grade: A-.

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Lee Konitz debuts in this 1950 recording in front of pianist Lennie Tristano and a solid rhythm section. His playing here is more reminiscent of Paul Desmond than Charlie Parker. This set is a good taste of the early cool jazz movement, mostly featuring the compositions of Konitz or Tristano.

Grade: B+.

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Yet another record company rereleases another classic jazz icon’s CD after dubbing it straight from original tape recordings. Ella Fitzgerald is probably the greatest singer in recorded music history. She deserves a far better rerelease than this. The sound quality is terrible and betrays the sublime talent on the recording.

Grade: C+.

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Teodross Avery debuts as leader on this solid set of original compositions. The music is very straight ahead and it’s very evident that Avery has spent long hours perfecting his technique with an obvious love for Coltrane. Roy Hargrove joins in this impressive debut by a talented young rising star.

Grade: A-.

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Damian Lewis stars in this directionless piece of noise about a schizophrenic guy obsessed with finding his young daughter, who disappeared at a bus station in New York City. The script noodles aimlessly and it is very difficult to feel any sympathy for a crazy man whose motives are suspect.

Grade: D.

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Stanley Jordan throws his flawless technique into another diverse set of tunes, including classics like Stairway to Heaven, John Coltrane’s Impressions, Lady in My Life, an amazing Autumn Leaves, and Over the Rainbow. A couple of tunes are too electronic, but otherwise this record is full of great musical moments.

Grade: B-.

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Stanley Jordan has justifiably been praised by many for his astonishing tap technique on the electric guitar, which he displays in this set of ten familiar tunes. His interpretations of Georgia on My Mind and My Favorite Things are fresh and beautiful and the other songs deliver the goods, too.

Grade: B+.

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