Year: 2009
Record Label: Southport
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Musicians: Bradley Parker-Sparrow (piano). All compositions by Bradley Parker-Sparrow. Joanie Pallatto (vocal) on
Review: The Black Romantic is one of the most unusual jazz piano solo CDs to come out of contemporary jazz within the past several years. It is surprising in its intense application of concentrated energy and approach. It is jazz pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow at his finest, and this is one of the very best collections he has created to date. There is nothing else like it in current jazz recordings.
I listened to this CD collection three times. Each time I was amazed by the creative imaginativeness of the melodies, and the techniques in which they are presented to the jazz listening audience.
I would say this magnificent collection of songs will remind many listeners of the French composer-pianist, Erik Satie (1866 - 1928), and the self-realization found in the minimalism musical movement. Bradley Parker-Sparrow takes it further, creating and fashioning something beautifully precious and insightful.
Those who have enjoyed Bradley Parker-Sparrow's work over the many years will find this new approach and collection of original songs proof that his musical genius is still topnotch and at its highest peak. This is a long, enjoyable CD, and there are sixteen songs in the collection. Joanie Pallatto's lovely voice is memorably reflective as she sings vocal on "Shows of Wonder."
Each song is a classic in its own right and reveals Bradley Parker-Sparrow at his most outstanding as both composer and pianist, which explains why he is among the top jazz musicians performing today.
Highly recommended. A classic!
Tracks: Each song is an imaginative jazz solo from the creative genius of composer/pianist Bradley Park-Sparrow.
Record Label Website: http://www.chicagosound.com
Reviewed by:
Lee Prosser
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