Evan Parker: The Maestro of Free Improvisation
Early Life and Influences
Born on April 5, 1944, in Bristol, England, Evan Shaw Parker embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 14 with the saxophone. His early admiration for Paul Desmond soon gave way to a profound influence by John Coltrane, shaping his musical choices and preferences.
Pioneering Career in Free Jazz
In 1966, Parker relocated to London, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant improvised music scene. He joined the Spontaneous Music Ensemble and, in collaboration with guitarist Derek Bailey, emerged as a leading figure in the improvised music movement, not just in London but across Europe. His relentless pursuit of new sounds and techniques, coupled with numerous collaborations and prolific performances, positioned him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of European free jazz and free improvisation.
Solo Performances and Techniques
Parker’s solo performances, primarily on the soprano saxophone, are a testament to his innovative spirit. Initially skeptical of solo performance, he was inspired by Derek Bailey’s solo guitar improvisations to explore the potential of musician-instrument interaction. He pioneered a range of extended techniques, creating an illusion of polyphony, or “pseudo-polyphony”. His performances are characterized by rapid sequences of notes, circular breathing, and multiphonics, resulting in a dense, complex sound that challenges and rewards the listener.
Contributions to Electronic Music
Parker’s contributions extend to electronic music as well. Since the early days of the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, he has collaborated with various artists to electronically process his playing, creating shifting soundscapes. His work in this field is as diverse as it is innovative, spanning from ambient soundscapes to intense, rhythmically complex compositions.
Legacy and Influence
The influence of Evan Parker on free jazz and improvisation is undeniable. His innovative techniques and prolific performances have left an indelible mark on the genre. His music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Despite the challenging nature of his music, Parker has amassed a dedicated following of listeners and musicians alike, who are drawn to the intensity and complexity of his performances.
- “Chicago Tenor Duets”(Okka Disk, 2002) with Joe McPhee: This album showcases the synergy between Parker and McPhee, two masters of free jazz and improvisation.
- “Memory/Vision”(ECM, 2002): This album is a testament to Parker’s innovative approach to music, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the saxophone.
- “Set”(Psi, 2003): This album is a showcase of Parker’s solo performances, demonstrating his pioneering techniques and creating an illusion of polyphony.
- “Birds and Blades”(Intakt, 2003) with Barry Guy: This album is a collaboration with Barry Guy, another stalwart of the free jazz scene.
- “The Eleventh Hour”(ECM, 2004): This album is a testament to Parker’s relentless pursuit of new sounds and techniques.
- “Boustrophedon”(ECM, 2004): This album showcases Parker’s contributions to electronic music, creating shifting soundscapes through electronic processing of his playing.
- “The Bishop’s Move”(Les Disques Victo, 2004): This album is a showcase of Parker’s innovative approach to music, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the saxophone.
- “Naan Tso”(Psi, 2005) with Foxes Fox (Parker, Steve Beresford, John Edwards, and Louis Moholo-Moholo): This album is a collaboration with Foxes Fox, demonstrating the synergy between these masters of free jazz and improvisation.
- “Winns Win”(Byrd Out, 2021): This album is inspired by the designer and activist, William Morris. It was recorded at Morris’ home in Walthamstow, London, which now houses the William Morris Gallery. The album consists of nine spontaneous compositions that are very intense, yet also offer melodic phrasing which adds richness and depth to the content.
- “Topography of the Lungs”(Incus, 1970) with Derek Bailey and Han Bennink: This album is a classic in the free improvisation genre, showcasing the synergy between Parker, Bailey, and Bennink.
