The William Parker Sessionography

by Rick Lopez

Description

This is a fully annotated (and generously illustrated) record of practically every time that elemental jazz bassist WILLIAM PARKER has ever played a gig or recording session, as a band member or leader, from 1972 clear through to June 2014. A vast microcosm of one profoundly engaged jazz musician, revealing an illuminated macrocosm of jazz itself during the period of time covered. This research was 15 years in the scholarly making by RICK LOPEZ. Astonishing & worthy of high honors in the show more field of research. Having this book in one's hands feels like holding a sacrament. Beautifully printed. An essential reference work.Excerpt from the Introduction by Ed Hazell:Compiling a sessionography of the seemingly inexhaustible William Parker calls for a relentless and thorough researcher. Rarely have subject and chronicler been better matched. And rarely has a musician's career been so conscientiously documented. This can take its place among the great discographical classics such as Walter C. Allen's bio-discography of Fletcher Henderson, Hendersonia; Ben Young's opus on trumpeter Bill Dixon, Dixonia; and The Coltrane Reference by Lewis Porter, et al.. Like those other encyclopedic compilations of names, locations, dates, and commentary, this one tells a story of an artist and an era as compelling as any novel and more detailed than any biography could aspire to be. show less