I've been drawn to the beauty of jazz for more than half my life. Still, I feel like an outsider to this beautiful art form. Something I have come to comprehend is that to truly understand art means you must look at all of the dimensions in which it was created. In regards to jazz music or more appropriately defined as Black American Music. I have found that you can't just listen to the music if you wish to really see the beauty within it. The American experience must be examined from as many perspectives as possible to get an honest picture. Today, as I listen to a collection of compositions written by Miles Davis from the box set, Miles Davis - Chronicle: The Complete Prestige Recordings (1951-1956) I am left pondering would any other artform have allowed a young black man in the 1950s to attract and hold the attention of so many people from all over the world.
Press
Songs recorded by members of Hess Is More during the COVID lockdown. Matt contributed two tracks to this album.
“a master of improvisational music. His chops, knowledge, and focus grant him the freedom to be led by the music in the moment.”
Straightahead or on the edge, saxophonist Matt Parker welcomes listeners with warmth and wit.
Story by Bob Weinberg
Photos by Javier Oddo and Dion Tucker
"Show me someone who says jazz is no fun to listen to and I’ll show them Matt Parker."
"Parker's playing can recall the gruff-yet-sensuous lines of Ben Webster" - Hot House
"showcasing a chameleon-like style both hell-bent on defying jazz’ many sub-genres and putting his stamp on them all."
Featured in article about Birdman - Academy Awards: 'Birdman' Wins Best Picture Oscar
Such an honor to have my new album "Present Time" named by DownBeat Magazine as a Best Album of 2016 giving it ★★★★1/2 STARS