PARKER, Charlie,” (1920-1955). Charlie Parker with Strings. Mercury Records, 1950.

Album signed and inscribed by Charlie Parker. Inscribed in blue ballpoint pen inside the front board of the cover sleeve ‘To Joe, Regards, Charlie Parker’.

Recorded with a small string orchestra and rhythm section for Norman Granz’ labels between 1947 and 1952, Parker’s two With Strings albums were the realisation of a long-held desire to record with strings and his best selling records during his lifetime. ‘Charlie excitedly embraced the project,’ notes biographer Chuck Haddix, ‘feeling that recording with strings legitimized his music’. Haddix, 125.

Three 10-inch shellac discs, in three-sleeve album with cover design by David Stone Martin, Mercury Records, 1950; accompanied by a letter of provenance from Norman Saks. Provenance: The Norman R. Saks Collection (Vail, pl.55).

[With:] a small double sided promotional card Listen to Charlie Parker with Strings, Mercury Records, 1949. Provenance: The Norman R. Saks Collection (Vail, pl.17).