I find them both quite inconsistent. The best of both I absoluetly love and the worst of both makes me want to switch off or walk out.
Saw Maceo at a gig in Basingstoke and it was pretty inconsistent: great sax sound and funky, rhythmical playing but some of the hip-hop (?) numbers were extremely dull. There was a punch-up in the audience to liven things up ! I have the same reaction to some of Candy Dulfer's playing, with a few tunes droning on and on.
The worst of Charlie Parker I find his tone quite poor and his playing a bit mechanical, but maybe it's down to the drugs. The best of Brird is absolutely inspirational, with a gorgeous tone and endless ideas, superbly executed.
Maybe it would help to have some posts saying what favourite recordings people have of these two and any other Parkers.
Rhys