Birth

:

1944 in Butler, PA

Death

:

March 29, 1993 in New York City, NY

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

William Parker is a renowned American bassist, composer, and improviser who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and avant-garde music. Born on January 10, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, Parker grew up in a musical family and started playing the violin at the age of eight. However, he soon switched to the bass and began studying with jazz bassist Richard Davis. Parker's early musical influences included jazz legends such as Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman, as well as classical composers like Bach and Beethoven. He also drew inspiration from the Black Arts Movement and the Civil Rights Movement, which were both active during his formative years. In the 1970s, Parker became a key figure in the New York City avant-garde jazz scene, playing with musicians such as Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, and David S. Ware. He also formed his own groups, including the Centering Music Quintet and the Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra, which featured a rotating cast of musicians and emphasized collective improvisation and experimentation. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Parker continued to push the boundaries of jazz and improvised music, collaborating with artists from a wide range of genres and backgrounds. He also began to incorporate spoken word and poetry into his performances, reflecting his interest in the intersection of music and social justice. One of Parker's most notable collaborations during this period was with saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, with whom he formed the group Last Exit in 1986. Last Exit was known for its intense, high-energy performances that blended free jazz, punk rock, and noise music. The group released several albums and toured extensively throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. In addition to his work as a performer, Parker has also been a prolific composer, with over 150 works to his name. His compositions often draw on his experiences as a Black man in America, addressing themes such as racism, police brutality, and the struggle for social justice. Parker's contributions to the world of jazz and improvised music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2013, he was awarded a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, which recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to contemporary dance, jazz, and theater. He has also been named a Guggenheim Fellow and a United States Artists Fellow. Despite his many accolades, Parker remains committed to pushing the boundaries of music and exploring new forms of expression. He continues to perform and record with a wide range of artists, and his work remains a vital and influential force in the world of jazz and improvised music.

More....