Evan Shaw Parker

Evan Shaw Parker

British saxophonist-improviser
Date of Birth: 05.04.1944
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Biography of Evan Shaw Parker
  2. Musical Style and Techniques
  3. Career and Collaborations
  4. Varied Musical Pursuits

Biography of Evan Shaw Parker

Evan Shaw Parker is a prominent British saxophonist and improviser who has made significant contributions to the European free jazz scene. Born on April 5, 1944, in Bristol, Parker drew inspiration from jazz alto saxophonist Paul Desmond during the early stages of his career and later from cool jazz saxophonists. However, he gained recognition for his unique style and later works.

Evan Shaw Parker

Musical Style and Techniques

Parker's music from the 1960s and 1970s was characterized by its sharp, unsettling, raw, piercing, and vibrating nature. It focused more on form than melodic content. He experimented with techniques such as harmonics stacking, employing false notes, and creating complex contrapuntal textures. Parker also explored the use of reed instruments, circular breathing techniques, and incredibly fast tonguing, which initially caused his saxophone to bleed. He was also a member of the influential big band "The Brotherhood of Breath."

Evan Shaw Parker

Career and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Parker released numerous albums as a solo artist and as a leader of various musical ensembles. He collaborated with notable musicians such as Peter Brötzmann, contributing to the groundbreaking album "Machine Gun" in 1968. He also worked with John Stevens, Derek Bailey, Keith Rowe, Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Fred Frith, Tim Berne, Dave Holland, and many others. In 1970, Parker, Bailey, and drummer Tony Oxley founded the label "Incus," which eventually became solely managed by Bailey after internal disputes in the early 1980s. Currently, Parker curates the label "Psi," which emerged from Martin Davidson's "Emanem" recording company. Additionally, he performs monthly at the "Vortex Jazz Club" in London.

Evan Shaw Parker

Varied Musical Pursuits

Although Parker's primary focus has always been on free improvisation, he occasionally immersed himself in more traditional jazz settings. He played in Charlie Watts' big band and Kenny Wheeler's ensemble. Furthermore, he participated in the recording of Gavin Bryars' minimalist work "After the Requiem," performing the composition "Alaric I or II" as part of a saxophone quartet. Parker is one of the few saxophonists who regularly performs solo without any accompaniment, which has become a significant aspect of his work.

Evan Shaw Parker

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