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Band Biography
Led by award-winning saxophonist and composer Jonathan Parker, the Jonathan Parker Octet performs a unique blend of American Songbook material and original works. Formed in Washington, DC and now based in Brooklyn, the ensemble consists of some of New York City’s most in-demand and talented instrumentalists. Since releasing their debut album Interloper in 2016, the group has been active in both the New York and Washington, DC scenes, performing at music clubs and dive bars alike.
Jonathan Parker is a saxophonist, composer, and educator hailing from the Washington, DC area and currently living in Brooklyn, NY. He has performed throughout the United States, England and China. In addition to being a in-demand saxophonist in both the NYC and Washington DC areas, he’s also an accomplished composer and arranger: he was a member of the Kennedy Center’s Jazz Ahead program in 2010 and recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award in 2011.
Recordings
Below are both live and studio recordings of the Jonathan Parker Octet.
- I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (The Ink Spots, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 1:52
- Barengo (Barry Harris, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 2:02
- John Coltrane (Bill Lee, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 1:32
- A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (Manning Sherwin, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 1:40
- All My Love (Marcus Belgrave, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 1:04
- Moonlight In Vermont (Karl Suessdorf, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 1:38
- Two Bass Hit (John Lewis, arranged by Jonathan Parker) Jonathan Parker Octet 0:58
Live Performance Videos
Promotional Photos
Press Quotes
“He uses his contemporary, ambitious, but ultimately lovable music to win over new jazz audiences. Parker’s a highly trained, deeply skilled musician with a strong sense of respect to the jazz.” – CapitalBop
“It’s an exciting octet date that’s chock-full of tight ensemble work and compelling solo statements. Parker utilizes all of the tone colors and rhythmic tools at his disposal here, alternately creating swinging unison statements, punchy background figures, measured support, and gorgeous chorale-like passages. Interloper is an album that shows the full depth and breadth of his talent(s), both as player and writer.” – All About Jazz
“Parker’s debut album Interloper is, first and foremost, a showcase for the local leader’s writing in both arrangements and compositions. Lucky for us, that writing happens to be superb.” – Washington City Paper