Evan Parker

歐洲自由即興樂(lè)手
by Ron Wynn
Among Europes most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, Evan Parkers solos and playing style are distinguished by his creative use of circular breathing and false fingering. Parker can generate furious bursts, screeches, bleats, honks, and spiraling lines and phrases and his solo sax work isnt for the squeamish. Hes one of the few players not only willing but anxious to demonstrate his affinity for late-period John Coltrane. Parker worked with a Coltrane-influenced quartet in Birmingham in the early 60s. Upon resettling in London in 1965, Parker began playing with Spontaneous Music Ensemble. He joined them in 1967 and remained until 1969. Parker met guitarist Derek Bailey while in the group, and the duo formed the Music Improvisation Company in 1968. Parker played with them until 1971, and also began working with the Tony Oxley Sextet in the late 60s. Parker started playing extensively with other European free music groups in the 70s, notably the Globe Unity Orchestra, as well as its founder Alexander von Schlippenbachs trio and quartet. Parker, Bailey, and Oxley co-formed Incus Records in 1970 and continued operating it through the 80s. Parker also played with Chris McGregors Brotherhood of Breath, other groups with Bailey, and did duet sessions with John Stevens and Paul Lytton, as well as giving several solo concerts. Parkers albums as a leader and his collaborations are all for various foreign labels; they can be obtained through diligent effort and mail order catalogs. Among his many releases are Process and Reality (1991), Breaths and Heartbeats (1995), Obliquities (1995), Bush Fire (1997), Here Now (1998), Drawn Inward (1999), Monkey Puzzle (2000), Two Seasons (2000), Alder Brook (2003) and After Appleby (2004). Eleventh Hour, officially credited to the Evan Parker Electo-Acoustic Ensemble, appeared from ECM in 2005.