Evan Parker is a towering figure in the realm of free improvisation and avant-garde jazz. Born in Bristol, England on April 5, 1944, Parker has become one of the most innovative and influential saxophonists of his generation. With a career spanning over five decades, he is renowned for his solo soprano saxophone performances and his intricate and expansive approach to improvisation, characterized by his complex fingerings and extended techniques, including circular breathing and multiphonics. These techniques have set him apart, allowing him to create dense, textured soundscapes that are both challenging and captivating.

Initially inspired by the music of John Coltrane, Parker has since moved far beyond traditional jazz structures, forging his own musical path. He has been a vital part of the European free jazz movement since the late 1960s and a founding member of the seminal free improvisation group AMM. His collaborations are vast and varied, having worked with other notable improvisers like Derek Bailey, Peter Brötzmann, and Alexander von Schlippenbach. Parker's recent works, such as "Etching the Ether" and "City Fall: Live at Café Oto," continue to push the boundaries of free-form music. His enduring quest for innovation and the expression of the inexpressible in music make Evan Parker an enduring figure in the avant-garde scene.

Genres

Avant-garde Jazz

British Jazz

Free Improvisation

Free Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Tzadik

Latest Release

Collective Calls (Urban) (Two Microphones)

Evan Parker•

Paul Lytton

Album - 8 Tracks - Released December 1, 2023