William Parker Quartet - Sound Unity (2005)

Arguably one of America’s most important cultural contributions of the 20th century, Jazz now languishes in relative obscurity. Still soaring, but well under the radar. Most cities worth their salt peanuts have at least a small jazz scene and the music continues to thrive in major city centers like Chicago and New York. Out of The Big Apple comes a true giant of the modern Jazz world: bassist/composer/bandleader William Parker. One of the most powerful forces in Jazz today, Parker’s been around a while now, recording and touring all over the planet with groups both large and small. Sound Unity from 2005 is a prime example of Parker’s work, featuring an amalgamation of telepathic players with an intense “eight hands, one mind” chemistry that borders on ESP. The disc contains six sizzling tunes recorded during the quartet’s 2004 tour of Canada. Due mostly to the unpredictable and explosive virtuosity of drummer Hamid Drake, the Parker Quartet is continually surprising. Midway into the first tune on the new disc (“Hawaii”) the song suddenly disintegrates into frenetic noise. Then just as quickly the band settles back into the affable melody. This delicate and dangerous dance is repeated throughout the disc, the band fearlessly leaping back and forth between the written parts and sudden fits of pure chaos. Cruising effortlessly all the while, playing with a relaxed and uncanny rhythmic interplay. Trumpeter Lewis Barnes keeps a cool head throughout, playing tasteful and understated lines while Rob Brown’s searing alto sax ascends to atmospheric heights seldom seen since Dolphy. All take turns pushing the envelope, egging each other on, splitting notes at the atomic level, coining insanely jagged phrases, obliterating meter and melody, transforming the music into swirling flames of raw sound. Parker’s authoritative bass anchors the whole operation with stealthy confidence and his compositions – mellow ballads, free form funk, and up-tempo bop – are memorable and strong. But the real spark here is the head-spinning spontaneity of the band in full flight. Though the noise and improv are quite challenging at times, the sensitive playing and infectiously groovy hooks perfectly temper the madness.

Purchase the album here:

https://williamparker.bandcamp.com/album/sound-unity