Who is Evan Parker?
To answer our own rhetorical question, Evan Parker is a British free-jazz sax legend. Having pioneered or substantially expanded an array of extended playing techniques, Parker became a pivotal figure in the development of free jazz and improvisation in Europe. The critic Ron Wynn once described Parker as "among Europe's most innovative and intriguing saxophonists."
His music of the 1960s and 1970s involves fluttering, swirling lines that have shape rather than tangible melodic content. Sometimes he makes use of pure sound in a manner that recalls Steve Lacy's more radical 1970s recordings or the work of the AACM. He began to develop methods of rapidly layering harmonics and false notes to create dense contrapuntal weaves; these involved experiments with plastic reeds, circular breathing and rapid tonguing which initially were so intense that he would find blood dripping onto the floor from the saxophone. Ron Wynn noted that "his solo sax work isn't for the squeamish."
Parker has increasingly become interested in electronics, usually through inviting collaborators to process his playing electronically, creating feedback loops and shifting soundscapes.
"New Master" is a bit of stretch, as Parker is now 75 and has been recording since 1970. But although his style and techniques have paved the way for musicians such as Colin Stetson and Bendik Giske, he's still exploring and creating new music himself, and will be performing at this month's (!) Big Ears festival.
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