Chris Parker Septet: Reunion

This is a Reunion that Chris Parker was lucky to celebrate. In August 2023, eight months after recording his fifth album as leader and while vacationing in his native Oregon, Parker suffered a serious stroke that left him (temporarily) unable to walk or use his left hand when playing the piano. Before that misfortune struck, Parker had re-scored for septet a dozen songs he had been playing for years in various formats, from solo or trio to quartet or quintet. He recorded them in January 2023. In other words, a reunion not so much with fellow musicians as with his musical past.

It is evident from the first tantalizing notes of "Emmy's Shuffle" that Parker chose his songs and his companions with care. The septet performs seamlessly as a unit and boasts a number of strong and resourceful soloists, from saxophonist Alejandro Aviles and trombonist Doug Beavers, to baritone Dave Riekenberg, violinist Rob Thomas and Parker himself, who plays the sort of chameleon-like piano that nestles comfortably in any groove—which is a good thing, as the scope of his music ranges from blues and bop to funk, Latin, mainstream jazz and beyond.

Aviles (alto), Parker, Riekenbeg and bassist Tony Marino solo on "Emmy's Shuffle," Parker and Thomas on the gospel- oriented "Say It Again," Thomas and Beavers on the robust samba "Just a Thought," wherein dummer Marko Marcinko and percussionist Luisito Quintero drive the rhythmic engine, as they do on every number. Funk enters the equation in "Stages" and "Been This Way Before," preceding a sharp and syncopated "Left at Bingen." Parker is impressive there, as he is alongside Aviles (alto) on the album's shimmering title song, and with Aviles (soprano), Thomas and Beavers on the rough-and-ready "Stand Back."

"Boonchaka" is a bright and passionate tango, "Hymn" is exactly what the name suggests, "To You (for Teresia)" is a warmhearted salute to Parker's wife, on which his eloquent solo piano is showcased. The scampering finale, "One for CB," is marked by a classic New Orleans vibe, stronger rhythmic and harmonic support from the ensemble, and resourceful solos by Parker, Aviles (alto), Thomas and Riekenberg. A marvelous way to end a smart and successful Reunion.