Lifting the Sanctions

by Steve LoewyIt is difficult for any soloist to maintain the interest of a listener for an entire CD. The string bassist, with seemingly limited palate, would appear to be one of the hardest instrumentalists of all to perform for an hour by himself. That William Parker does so with excitement, verve, and a wide range of emotion is itself a startling feat. On this recording, Parker, through an astonishing performance, displays tenderness, anxiety, agitation, and much more in thoroughly compelling ways. Parker's unique styling emphasizes arco as opposed to pizzicato playing, though not to the exclusion of the latter. He takes the acoustic bass to new heights through original technique employing the full range of the bass. The overwhelmingly unrelenting intensity and creative passion, combined with unmitigated energy, make this an indispensable document. Well recorded, and illustrated with original color prints, this album is the result of a beautiful project that has much to offer the serious and open listener.