Teri Parker: In The Past

Toronto-based pianist Teri Parker has released three CDs with her Parker Abbott Trio—including Elevation (Self Produced, 2016). The Parker Abbott Trio features Parker paired with another keyboardist—Simeon Abbott—and a drummer, sounding electric and modernistic. Now she presents In The Past, her first release with her more acoustic quartet.

The line-up is the standard rhythm section and a saxophone out front ensemble, engaged in presenting a dozen of Parker's well-crafted, always engagements compositions. Several spins of the disc leaves the impression of Teri Parker as a gifted melodist. Juno Award-winning alto saxophonist Allison Au, with her sometimes rich, sometimes tart tone,  aids and abets in the effort, whether it's on the pensive opener, "Majoun," the playful and jumpy "Summer City," featuring bassist Mark Godfrey and drummer Mack Longpre churning out an oddball groove, or the folk-ish "On the Farm," with it's feeling of inward peace.

The glittery "Oy Regy" sounds like something composed by a Herbie Hancock/Branford Marsalis songsmith teaming. "Taurus Blues" proves itself a straight ahead, straight at you good time time.

In addition to her acoustic piano, Parker brings in the Fender rhodes from time to time, adding a sparkle to the sound. She and bassist Godfrey also employ the Mopho x4 (a keyboard synthesizer) to sprinkle some subtle electronic spicings into the group sound.

The set closes with its loveliest composition, "Saturn"—the most beautiful of celestial bodies inspiring a beautiful modern jazz sound.