On August 29, on what would have been Charlie Parker’s 104th birthday, Verve Records announced the release of Bird in Kansas City, a collection of rare Charlie Parker recordings recently unearthed, out on October 25.

The collection chronicles Parker’s evolution from burgeoning saxophonist with the Jay McShann Band to becoming the “Master of Jazz Improvisation” who would change the genre forever. A love letter to the home he would never return to, Bird in Kansas City deals with themes of strong family ties, friendships and Parker’s complicated relationship to his hometown riddle with its racial segregation. The recordings took place privately at the home of Parker’s friend Phil Baxter and at the Vic Damon studio during Parker’s visits back home between 1941-1951.

The collection is preceded by two singles, a rendition of British Big Band leader Ray Noble’s “Cherokee”, and “I’ve Found a New Baby.”

Bird in Kansas City comes out October 25 via Verve Records and will be available on CD ,Vinyl and all streaming platforms.