Charlie Parker Honored by Savoy Jazz; ``The Genius of Charlie Parker'' Celebrates 60 Years On The Historic Jazz Label.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Celebrating over 60 years as home to the catalog of one of the most important figures in jazz, Savoy Jazz releases "The Genius of Charlie Parker." The specially-priced deluxe 2-disc set compiled by Savoy Jazz Senior Director of A&R Joshua Sherman includes the best recordings from his years on Savoy Jazz and Dial Records digitally re-mastered from the original sources. Studio tracks as well as the best of his live performances at New York's premiere club at the time, The Royal Roost, make up this stellar collection. "The Genius of Charlie Parker" also includes classic Parker photos and extensive liner notes by Orrin Keepnews, Dick Katz, Loren Schoenberg and others.

Charlie Parker's first Savoy recordings started a musical revolution that is still evolving today -- 50 years after the legend's passing on March 12, 1955. Charlie Parker helped establish Savoy Jazz as one of the all time maverick jazz labels nurturing up and coming jazz stars such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. "The Genius of Charlie Parker" features these legends as well as Bud Powell, Duke Jordan, Al Haig, John Lewis, Kenny Dorham and many others. "The Genius of Charlie Parker" is in stores now. Of special note is 'Genius' exclusive availability from now until May 2 on Apple's iTunes download store -- the set is currently in the Top 10 of the iTunes jazz chart.

Says Steve Vining, President of the Savoy Label Group: "Charlie Parker's legendary early recordings have represented Savoy Jazz's mission for over 60 years: artistry that redefined jazz in a way few others have ever done. Bird's legacy truly lies in the unbridled spirit and inspired craft that is still revered the world over now six decades after the original recordings. We are incredibly excited to release this retrospective that captures all the dynamic rule-breaking energy of the bebop era which commemorates 50 years since Parker's passing from us. That his legacy and incredible influence are still such a part of music today is testament to his blazing talent and absolutely unique qualities as an artist and a man."

Savoy Jazz is a unit of the Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan. Newly reorganized and now headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, Columbia Music Entertainment has re-emerged as a significant creative force with a stable of newly signed platinum-selling artists.