Parker-Sparrow, Bradley
Southport, 2009, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 15.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is a creative project focused on a cross-cultural musical exchange between east and west. Sparrow (p, perc, vocals) wrote all of the music and improvisations. They open with the title track, a fusion of Japanese and American music and a natural introduction to the session. Joanie Pallatto provides vocalese on “Pinwheel” echoed by Francis Wong on sax but being driven by the vibe from Brazilian percussionist Dedé Sampaio. Tatsu Aoki plays both electric and acoustic bass occasionally using a bow. His lines meld well with Sampaio and we never miss the drums. This music is a peaceful free form with ample space given to musicians to develop their thoughts. The mood is natural and even jovial on “Skip Hop” morphing into a peaceful ballad with Sparrow’s work on piano. “Every Day” has more of an Eastern influence. The New World is much like the plethora of scores Bradley has composed. It is a story-like performance culminating with the urban beats of “Kanye, OK, OK” contrasting jazz vs. hip-hop culture. We dig it.
Publicist: Asian Improv
