Best known as a multi-instrumental member of Tortoise since 1996 and a pillar of the Chicago jazz and experimental music scene, Jeff Parker has been incomparably prolific over a period of 20+ years while merely producing 5 albums as a “lead artist” until signing with Int. Anthem for “New Breed” in 2016. His new band recording “Mondays at the ETA” (2022) is a groove-based free improv built on the egalitarian group sound
Jeff Parker is recognized as one of contemporary music’s most versatile and innovative electric guitarists and composers. With a prolific output characterized by musical ideas of angularity and logic, he works in a wide variety of mediums - from pop, rock and jazz to new music - using ideas informed by innovations and trends in both popular and experimental forms. He creates works that explore and exploit the contrary relationships between tradition and technology, improvisation and composition, and the familiar and the abstract.
Best known as a multi-instrumental member of Tortoise since 1996 and a pillar of the Chicago jazz and experimental music scene, Jeff Parker has been incomparably prolific over a period of 20+ years while merely producing 5 albums as a “lead artist” until signing with Int. Anthem for “New Breed” in 2016. His new band recording “Mondays at the ETA” (2022) is a groove-based free improv built on the egalitarian group sound
Jeff Parker is recognized as one of contemporary music’s most versatile and innovative electric guitarists and composers. With a prolific output characterized by musical ideas of angularity and logic, he works in a wide variety of mediums - from pop, rock and jazz to new music - using ideas informed by innovations and trends in both popular and experimental forms. He creates works that explore and exploit the contrary relationships between tradition and technology, improvisation and composition, and the familiar and the abstract.
His sonic palette may employ techniques from sample-based technologies, analog and digital synthesis, and conventional and extended techniques from over 40 years of playing the guitar.
An integral part of what has become known as “The Modern Chicago Sound”, he is a longtime member of the influential indie band Tortoise, and is also a founding member of Isotope 217˚ and Chicago Underground. A look at his extensive work as a collaborator and session musician offers a glimpse into Mr. Parker’s diversity. This list includes: Andrew Bird, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joshua Redman, Toumani Diabate, George Lewis, Bennie Maupin, Nicole Mitchell, Peter Erskine, Carmen Lundy, Makaya McCraven, Vijay Iyer, Yo La Tengo, Daniel Lanois, Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Jason Moran, Joey DeFrancesco, Nels Cline, Charles Earland, Ken Vandermark, Dave Douglas, Fred Anderson, Tom Zé, Clipping, and hundreds more. ...
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