Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
No stranger to adversity, pianist Chris Parker is a musical chameleon who’s built a reputation as a veteran go-to NYC musician. His groups have featured Latin, funk and jazz luminaries like Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer and Chris Vadala. So when on vacation Parker experienced a stroke that left him temporarily unable to play the piano, he knew this latest adversity would motivate the next curious chapter of his already impressive musical career. Dedicated to his wife, daughter and his extended family of friends and medical professionals who aided his recovery, “Reunion” is an uplifting series of compositions celebrating the eclectic variety of styles that effortlessly flow from Parker’s fingertips.
Widely regarded as one of the leading organists of his generation, Pat Bianchi blends deep respect for the jazz organ tradition with a modern sensibility in harmonic invention, rhythmic drive and a refusal to fit neatly into stylistic boxes. His sound reflects the teachings of mentors Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco yet carves out a path that is unmistakably his own. Accompanied by two of New York’s finest in saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan, Bianchi returns with “Confluence,” a high-energy recording that captures the raw immediacy of three musicians pushing themselves to the edge.
Also this week, keyboardist Benjie Porecki has recorded a new set of originals on “Faster Than We Know” that are uplifting, filled with catchy grooves, and showcase his warm and melodic playing; the newest release from saxophonist Dave Wilson, “When Even Goes East,” puts his own spin on pop tunes from the 1960s and ‘70s and shows off his considerable composing chops on four original; and guitarist Bill Frisell celebrates his 75th birthday with the release of “In My Dreams.”