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Matt Parker
Matt Parker - saxophonist and composer- mattparkermusic.com
About Me
Richard X Bennett and Matt Parker's latest album, Parker Plays X is set to release on May 5th
by BYNK Records. The two showcase their all-encompassing musical visions by co-leading a
session for the first time, exploring a dozen compositions that range from straight-ahead bebop
to avant-garde freakouts to classic jump blues. Bennett is inclined toward music with a groove
while Parker prefers free jazz's boundless experimentation, making their merger a unique
experience where they assimilate each other's sensibilities.
Both musicians adapt themselves to each other's aesthetic, with Parker adding momentum to
the already rollicking jump blues Belly First and Bennett harnessing some of Parker's wild
side to his own ends in premeditated compositions. The rhythm players, bassist Adam
Armstrong and drummer Julian Edmond bring crucial shape and dimension to the tunes. Their
paths to jazz were different, but both have built their careers as wide-ranging improvising
musicians with omnivorous musical appetites, refusing to be restrained by convention.
Matt Parker is a tenor and soprano saxophone player, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. After seeing trumpeter Maynard Ferguson in concert, he fell in love with jazz and was
mentored by the legendary South Florida saxophonist Jimmy Cavallo. Parker played
professionally as a teenager in New Orleans before moving to New York to study with Jane Ira
Bloom, Barry Harris, and Junior Mance. Later, Parker would go on to play in Maynard's band Big
Bop Nouveau for two years and is on the album “MF Horn VI: Live At Ronnie's” (2006).
Parker's career has been wildly eclectic, showcasing his tireless explorative spirit and
chameleon-like style. He has paid tribute to both avant-garde players and straight-ahead
stalwarts on his albums “Worlds Put Together” (2014) and “Present Time” (2016), and has
collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Reggie Watkins, Ariana Grande, Orrin
Evans, Hess is More, and the Mingus Big Band. He is also a member of the viral ensemble
Postmodern Jukebox and has made appearances (both musical and on-screen) in the hit action
film “John Wick”. The Dorrance Dance company features Parker in “45th and 8th” premiering
nationally (2022-23). He is also a featured performer with comedian and renowned entertainer
Murray Hill and Bridget Everrett (“Somebody, Somewhere”). Parker's experience with the Cape
Town Youth Choir, where he learned the importance of blending and the beauty of collaboration,
has had a profound impact on his music.
Charles Mingus' previously unrecorded “Song To Keki” makes its first appearance on Parker's
album, which the Ottawa Citizen called a warmly swinging showcase for his breathy, Ben
Webster-esque flow. The same publication noted that Parker's playing on the tune builds
momentum until his tenor seems like it will come apart in his hands. The Ottawa Citizen also
described the album as having an overall compositional and improvisational contrast that
catches the listener by surprise.
DownBeat Magazine praised Parker's own tireless explorative spirit, while JAZZIZ Magazine
described Parker as someone who welcomes listeners with warmth and wit. Hot House noted
that Parker's playing can recall the gruff-yet-sensuous lines of Ben Webster, while Outside-
Inside-Out said, Parker can do anything...he swings his ass off. Something Else Reviews called
Parker restlessly inventive and showed off his resourcefulness and playfulness, while The
Village Voice praised him as a Tenor and soprano sax whiz. All About Jazz said Parker can't be
pigeonholed into just one tradition and that he has arrived on the creative music scene a fully
formed artist – one with his own unique voice and singular vision.
Parker is also a prolific composer and musical director. He has written music for various
ensembles, including big bands, small groups, and studio orchestras for film. Parker's
compositions often blend elements of woodwind instrumentation with more adventurous,
avant-garde approaches. Complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bold, imaginative melodies
characterize his music.
Parker has featured his compositions on several albums, including “Worlds Put Together”
(2014), “One for Miles, One for Maynard” (2014), and “Present Time” (2016). He has also
composed for the Immersive theater show “MidSummer - A Shakespearience” (Variety Life
Productions), the original audio drama series “Brother, Mine” (Hand Forged Fiction 2020) and
the immersive sound walk experience “Kierkbride” (Hand Forged Fiction 2022). Critics have
praised his music for its originality, energy, and emotional depth.
In addition to his work as a saxophonist, composer, and musical director, Matt Parker is also a
passionate educator. He teaches saxophone, composition, and improvisation at several
universities and music schools, inspiring young musicians to develop their own unique voices.