CHARLIE PARKER; "Bird in Time 1940-1947" (ESP-Disk) ****

In addition to the four CDs that feature selected musical and interview recordings of jazz sax pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker, this box set includes two liner note booklets. They serve as a guide through the more than 100 tracks compiled for the release. And as the listener begins the journey of Parker's life, with Disc One, it is clear that this box set is more akin to a film documentary than a collection of songs. The songs, remastered and nostalgic, serve as scene setters and interspersed with interview snippets from Parker, Milt Jackson, Roy Porter and Teddy Edwards, to name a few. "Salt Peanuts," "Lover Man," "Hot House," "Fine and Dandy" and "St. Louis Blues" are some of the timeless pieces highlighted in this massive collection. — S.I.

PETER PAUL AND MARY; "The Solo Recordings (1971-72)" (Warner Bros./Rhino) ***

In 1970, the folk trio Peter Paul & Mary broke up to pursue solo careers. Unfortunately, the solo albums weren't as well received as the ones the three recorded together. However, in retrospect, the solos by Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers, are time capsules that show the three trying to break away from their collaboration but finding it easy to slip back into the groove. However, having the long-out-of-print music altogether in a remastered three-CD set, including Stookey's sentimental "Wedding Song (There Is Love)," will be a nice addition to PP&M fan collections. — S.I.

NINA SIMONE; "To Be Free: the Nina Simone Story" (RCA/Legacy) ****

On April 21, 2003, Eunice Kathleen Waymon passed away after a bout with breast cancer. Many knew this woman as a Grammy Award-winning singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. In this three-CD/one DVD box set, Simone's story is told through her music, liner notes and 1970 Emmy Award-nominated TV special titled "Nina: A Historical Perspective." Her control over her captivating sassy smokey voice brings the past to the present through songs such as "Mood Indigo," "I Loves You Porgy," "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" and "Here Comes the Sun." Previous unreleased works include "Tanywey," an alternate version of "Ain't Got No-I Got Life" and live versions of "Suzanne," "Let It Be Me," "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" and the "When Malindy Sings/Swing Low Sweet Chariot" medley. — S.I.

HUNTER S. THOMPSON; "Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson" (Shout Factory) ***