Parker reunites with the WDR Big Band for Soul Classics, a collection of nine songs recorded live at the Leverkusener Jazz Festival in Leverkusener, Germany, in November 2011. The recording captures Parker with special guests - bassist Christian McBride and drummer Core Coleman-Dunham - in collaboration with the Cologne-based 15-piece orchestra led by conductor/arranger Michael Abene that has previously backed such prominent artists as Ray Charles, Joe Zawinul, Michael and Randy Brecker, and many others.
"As I get older, it becomes increasingly important that I chase moments that are really fun for me," says Parker. "Working with the WDR Big Band has once again taken me to that peak, just as it did three years ago. I'm so thankful to everyone connected to this project - especially my two sidekicks, Cora and Christian - and to Michael Abene for the great arrangements and for assembling such a spectacular band."
Tracklist:
01 — Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag
02 — I Wish
03 — Yesterday I Had The Blues
04 — Higher Ground
05 — Do Your Thing
06 — Rock Steady
07 — One In A Million You
08 — Soul Power
09 — Announcement
10 — Come By And See
Buy the CD
Buy the MP3 Album