Jazz Articles about Evan Parker

Evan Parker: Six of One

by Derek Taylor
December 4, 2002

Steve Lacy may hold the Gold for most solo soprano saxophone albums, but Evan Parker, his counterpart on the other side of the Atlantic, comes in a natural second in the fictional competition. Curiously enough the British improvisor’s tenor has been far less served in such a solitary settings, with only one entry thus far (see Chicago Solo ) in his vast catalog to its credit. Still, the logistics of the soprano and Parker’s seemingly effortless ease at conjuring seemingly ...

Evan Parker-Phil Wachsmann-Teppo Hauta-aho: The Needles

by Glenn Astarita
September 21, 2002

The first disc represents the trio’s collaboration during a performance at “The 9th International Kerava Jazz Festival” at “Keuda House,” “Kerava Hall, Finland. While disc two was recorded at London’s infamous “Gateway Studios.” Ultimately, these improvising masters spread their wings in exuberant fashion! Many of these pieces feature the artists’ ability to mimic and counterbalance one another’s micro-motifs. On “Swans Apiece,” violinist Phil Wachsmann and bassist Teppo Hauta-aho execute a series of jabs and flurries, marked by surreal elements, as ...

Evan Parker: Lines Burnt In Light

by Mark Corroto
March 1, 2002

I pity the Evan Parker completist. Like David Murray fans of the 1990s or Anthony Braxton collectors before that, keeping up with the output of Mr. Parker can be taxing. I count five new releases in the first month of this year!

Luckily if you had to buy just one Evan Parker disc this year, without a doubt find a copy of Lines Burnt In Light. This solo soprano saxophone recording, just over one hour of music, was from a ...

Evan Parker: Lines Burnt In Light

by John Eyles
February 1, 2002

This is the most significant Evan Parker for quite a while, for several reasons, some musical, some commercial. Firstly, Psi is Parker's own record label (via Emanem). He has total artistic control, something he has not had since his days at Incus (if then?), which ended in the 80s. This CD is the label's first release, but Parker promises that Psi will release plenty of music, old and new, including his duo with George Lewis, and Parker/Guy/Lytton material. The choice ...

Evan Parker: Lines Burnt in Light

by AAJ Staff
January 1, 2002

Let's get the facts out up front: Lines Burnt in Light is pure insane genius. Evan Parker, for decades a master of the saxophone in various contexts, steps up about three levels on his new solo disc. As the inaugural release on his new Psi label, this is going to be a hard act to follow. Parker insistently pursues a high-level spiritual energy on these three extended improvisations for solo soprano saxophone. And he does not relent. Lines Burnt in ...

Parker / Guy / Lytton / Schlippenbach / Lovens: 2 x 3 = 5

by Glenn Astarita
October 1, 2001

2x3=5 connotes the merging of two trios: pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, saxophonist Evan Parker, drummer Paul Lovens and Parker's longtime associates, bassist Barry Guy and drummer Paul Lytton. However the thrust behind this fascinating seventy-seven minute presentation, resides within the artists' abilities to regenerate a hodgepodge of sub-themes into a series of propulsive statements marked by their tireless inventions and boundless energy. Whether it is Parker's heated flurries, Von Schilippenbach's flailing arpeggios, or the rhythm sections' vibrant discourses, the musicians' ...

Evan Parker: The Ayes Have It

by AAJ Staff
September 1, 2001

Saxophonist Evan Parker may be best known for his trio improv work with bassist Barry Guy and drummer Paul Lytton. However, he steps out on The Ayes Have It for two separate outings with one-off trio and quartet groups dating from 1983 and 1991.

The first set ("Ayes") documents a set of 1983 London studio recordings with the trio of Parker, bassist Paul Rogers, and exotic percussionist Jamie Muir. Parker seems quite restrained here. He insistently occupies the higher register ...