Jazz Legend William Parker Plays PACA

Sunday, Dec. 11

For some of the most exciting moments of modern jazz, William Parker has been there. The New York City bassist remains one of the seminal figures of the free jazz scene. Erie audiences will get a chance to see Parker perform a solo set at the Performing Arts Collective Alliance (PACA).

In addition to being one of the world's most highly regarded double bassists, Parker is also a consummate storyteller, with entertaining introductions and musical insights peppering his performances.

For decades, Parker played regularly with free jazz giants like Cecil Taylor, David S. Ware, and Peter Brötzmann. So prolific was Parker that he sparked the interest of Erie writer and documentarian, Rick Lopez. In 2014, Lopez released The William Parker Sessionography, a 482-page compendium chronicling every recording and nearly every performance in the bassist's 40-plus-year career. Lopez found Parker through the David S. Ware quartet, whose leader and drummer he also documented. According to Lopez, the group had "that kind of aggressiveness and unbridled passion [that] I'm always looking for – something that expresses the chaos of real life and doesn't gloss over things by trying to be 'pleasant' all the time."

With worlds of experience behind every pluck and bow of the string, Parker shines a new light into the dark corners of improvisation. Fans of adventurous, experimental musicianship will receive a master class in the medium.

Lopez summarized, "William is a force of nature, so if you're looking for transcendence, transformation, and a good old-fashioned soul-cleansing, this concert will be a great help to you. It's going to be a blast." – Nick Warren

8 p.m. // 1505 State St. // $10; $30 includes purchase of book // paca1505.com or 434.0687