I think the most striking thing about these jazz pieces is that all the instruments are featured. An example can be seen in the latter half of Confirmation (2:18 – 2:30ish), where there is a short period where there only the drums carry the tune and the other more melodic instruments are silent.

In other musical forms, percussion almost always remains as a supplement to the melody and harmony. It was a time keeper for the orchestra, or it could add some drama or exoticism to the melody/harmony. In chamber music, percussion was not even thought to be needed, and the largest, most baritone instrument would sometimes substitute if needed.

Of course with Charlie Parker, the saxophone dominates all else. However, it is egalitarian and shares the stage with, in this case, the piano and drums. Giving the piano a solo is logical since it has a limitless capacity of sounds. However, drums are monotonic and therefore, you are limited in pitch. I don’t think Parker really needs to include it. After all, he could have given us 30 extra seconds of his saxophone.