William Parker's "Live/Shapeshifter" is a sprawling, ambitious free jazz experience that spans an impressive 110 minutes, released on AUM Fidelity on July 5, 2019. This album is a testament to Parker's mastery of the avant-garde and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz, blending elements of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde into a cohesive, captivating whole.
The album opens with the five-part suite "Eternal Is The Voice Of Love," a sweeping, intricate composition that showcases Parker's virtuosic bass playing and his knack for creating complex, engaging musical narratives. Each part of the suite builds on the last, taking the listener on a journey through a landscape of sound that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
The second half of the album features a mix of shorter, more focused pieces, including the intense, driving "Demons Lining the Halls of Justice" and the haunting, reflective "Newark (for Grachan Moncur III)." The album also includes a Drum & Bass Interlude, providing a brief but welcome change of pace, and closes with the sprawling, epic "Eternity," a fitting finale to this monumental work.
Throughout the album, Parker's playing is characterized by a deep sense of groove and swing, even as he explores the most abstract and avant-garde territories. His bass playing is a constant source of invention and surprise, and his ability to create a sense of forward momentum, even in the most complex and challenging passages, is truly remarkable.
"Live/Shapeshifter" is a powerful, challenging, and deeply rewarding album that showcases William Parker at his very best. It is a testament to his enduring influence and his ability to create music that is both deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and utterly contemporary. Whether you're a longtime fan of Parker's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
