This is the two hundred fifteenth in a series of special Jazz on the Tube reviews of live stream performances.
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The excellent post-bop alto-saxophonist Antonio Parker was born and raised in Philadelphia.
He graduated from Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia, served as a U.S. Information Agency Ambassador to Africa (performing and giving jazz workshops in several African countries), toured the world as a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and has led three recordings of his own.
On his LiveStream from June 21, 2020, Antonio Parker leads a fine quartet that also features pianist Jordan Williams, bassist Cheney Thomas and drummer Keith Kilgo; all four musicians are superior soloists and together they have an appealing group sound.
The Antonio Parker Quartet performs the leader’s advanced yet swinging originals (including “Train Set” and “Dimension”) and such standards as Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way,” Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation,” “What’s New,” “Giant Steps” (which starts off with an extended Parker cadenza), and “Misty.”
It makes for a well-rounded and enjoyable program.
This is the one hundred seventy-ninth in a series of special Jazz on the Tube reviews of live stream performances.
Support live music – even when it’s streamed!
Electric bassist Michelle Marie Osbourne was born in London, England, studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, and has worked with some of the UK’s top artists in a variety of genres.
After moving to New York, she worked steadily in theater productions and with pop artists while developing her skills.
On her LiveStream of June 15, 2020, Michelle Marie Osbourne plays solo electric bass on “In Christ Alone,” displaying a dignified sound, a melodic style, and the ability to take her times in her playing, serving the music rather than vice versa.
She also solos over a rhythm track that includes some spoken word, showing her ability to adapt to a different musical setting, an important quality for any studio musician.